It is common for many people to turn to religious or spiritual practices as a way to treat shingles, mistakenly believing that it is a curse or punishment. However, it is essential to understand that shingles is a viral infection and has no relation to supernatural forces.
1. It is not contagious
Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not spread from person to person. However, a person with shingles can infect someone who has never had chickenpox (or is not vaccinated), causing that person to develop chickenpox.
2. Medical treatment
Treatment for shingles includes antiviral medications that can reduce the duration of symptoms and pain if started soon after the rash appears, and your doctor may prescribe pain relievers to help control the pain and burning.
3. Prevention
Vaccination is an effective way to prevent both chickenpox and shingles, the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over 50 years of age and can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications.
Shingles is a real viral infection that requires proper medical attention, recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely treatment can make a big difference in pain management and the duration of symptoms. It is important to dispel myths related to this disease and educate yourself about its viral nature in order to properly address its prevention and treatment.
If you experience symptoms consistent with shingles or have concerns about your health, do not hesitate to consult a medical professional. Understanding what is really happening in your body is important for a speedy recovery.