Shingles: A Replay of an Old Virus

Just when you think that childhood diseases were nothing over a fuzzy memory — bang, you develop shingles. The same virus (varicella-zoster) that caused chickenpox when you were young gets reactivated in later life, causing a return of the rash, blisters, and discomfort that are common with both diseases. About 20 per cent of older Americans develop shingles during their lifetime.

To help seniors understand and cope with this disease, the National Institute on Aging has produced a new Age Page, “Shingles,” which discusses the symptoms, risk factors, treatment, and complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), an tremendously painful aftermath of shingles. The brochure also offers tips for staying comfortable and lists helpful resources.