Blog > What are Shingles?

What are Shingles?

“Shingles are the most painful thing I’ve ever gone through.” – Many seniors who have experienced shingles

Located along nerve lines, shingles pain can be excruciating. Shingles comes from the same virus as chickenpox. It lives in the spine of anyone who has ever had chickenpox. Occasionally, it will flare up into shingles.

What are Shingles?

A shingles rash occurs in a stripe along a nerve, generally only on one side of the body or the other. Common sites for the rash to occur include the waist, buttocks, torso or face. The rash gives way in a few days to painful, itchy blisters. Anyone who has never had chickenpox should avoid contact with the rash, or linen that has touched it. After 7-10 days the blisters will start drying up, and the rash clears up completely in 2-3 weeks.

Prevention is Preferred

Avoiding shingles in the first place is the best option. Scientists don’t know exactly what triggers shingles. They occur much more frequently when the immune system is down. Stress, inadequate sleep, malnutrition, and certain medical conditions can affect the immune system and put a senior at a higher risk for shingles.

Vaccines can offer protection against the virus, and the doctor can advise on whether these vaccines are right for you. Senior care services can do quite a bit to help keep an older adult functioning at their best, which can reduce the chances of becoming ill.

Senior Care can Help

Senior care aides can support good nutritional status, reduce stress and support positive sleep to support the immune system, reducing the risk of shingles and other health problems.

Nutrition

Seniors often have trouble grocery shopping, preparing meals, remembering to eat, or feeling motivated or interested in eating. Senior care aides can assist in these areas, which can considerably enhance a senior’s nutritional state.

Reduce Stress

Stress is known to affect the immune system poorly. It can be caused by many factors, which differ for everyone. When seniors struggle with medical conditions, changes in their mobility, energy levels and other abilities, it often feels stressful and lonely. Senior care aides can reduce the burden by helping with bathing, or other personal care. They can take care of the housework, which can allow the older adult to dedicate energy to meaningful activities which bring them joy and satisfaction.

Sleep Support

Physical exercise in the morning, and a relaxing bedtime routine, has been shown to enhance sleep. Sleep is vital for health and immune system functioning. Many seniors enlist the service of senior care aides to assist with daily walks or routine exercise – which in and of itself has been shown to promote immune function! Bedtime routines complete with sleepytime tea, a warm bath before bed, lavender lotion to the legs and feet send many seniors into a sound – and recuperative – slumber.

Senior care can promote positive healthy habits and holistic wellbeing, enabling a senior to live to their fullest potential. Living well allows seniors to avoid many health complications, such as shingles, that can affect them when they get too worn down.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/shingles
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054#:~:text=Shingles

If you are considering Senior Care Services in Haile FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.