Understanding the Shingles Contagious Period
Shingles are extremely painful and highly contagious, which is why anyone who knows of an individual with this condition should understand shingles contagious period. Interestingly, shingles is caused by the herpes virus, and is formally known as the Varicelli Zoster Virus or VZV. When shingles develop, highly painful blisters form on the surface of the skin. This same herpes virus is responsibility for the development of chickenpox.
Before getting into the shingles contagious period, it is important to understand the different causes. First, shingles outbreak is the result of some of the herpes virus remaining in a person’s system after experiencing childhood chickenpox. Even if that person had fully recovered from chickenpox, the virus can continue thriving. In some people, shingles will never develop even with the herpes virus in the system but in other people, shingles becomes a problem. This occurs for a variety of reasons.
Again, we want to talk about the shingles contagious period but first, key contributors to shingles developing include stress, poor operating or damaged immune system, and a variety of illnesses such as AIDS. In all cases, the herpes virus will attack the body’s nervous system, causing the outbreak of shingles. Because this disease is connected directly to chickenpox and considered a new outbreak, not only are the blisters painful but even when the blisters go away, the person will continue to feel pain.
As mentioned, this disease is highly contagious. If not properly and quickly treated, it can easily spread from to other parts of the body, as well as to other people who have touched any of the fluid of the blisters. The shingles contagious period is very specific, being only when blisters filled with clear fluid are present and the rash that covers the blisters is not yet dry and crusty. Therefore, the shingles contagious period is not before blisters appear, until the blisters are full of fluid, and only after the rash becomes flakey.
In addition to learning about the shingles contagious period, it is critical that anyone who develops this disease understand medical treatment is essential. If not, all types of major health risks exist. Just a few risks include going blind, developing pneumonia, experiencing organ malfunction, or failure, going deaf, developing inflammation of the brain, and even death.
During the shingles contagious period, the individual would experience a number of symptoms. For instance, fever, overwhelming fatigue, digestive problems, sudden chills, itching, rash, and blisters are all a part of the disease. The good news is that once shingles has been diagnosed, as long as the patient follows the doctor’s orders, stays out of the sun, and avoids scratching the blisters and rash, shingles can be treated effectively. However, because there is serious risk involved during the shingles contagious period, the most important thing is to see a doctor immediately so proper treatment can be started.
After the shingles have disappeared, it is important for that person to eat a healthy diet to keep the immune system strong, get proper exercise, and avoid stress as much as possible. That way, the risk of developing shingles again is greatly reduced.