Mahaska Health Partnership Educates on Shingles Virus
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Herpes Zoster, otherwise known as the shingles virus, affects nearly one out of every three people in the United States. Mahaska Health Partnership wants to educate the public on the shingles virus and how to prevent and treat it.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans who live until age 85 will develop shingles at some point in their lives. The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles is to get vaccinated. A vaccine is available for individuals 60 years of age and older.
“Shingles is a very common ailment seen in patients, especially those over 60 years of age,” explained MHP Family Nurse Practitioner Jill Konfrst. “Anyone who had chickenpox in their lifetime is susceptible to the shingles virus later in life.”
Individuals with medical conditions that affect their immune systems, such as leukemia or lymphoma, or are on immunosuppressive drugs such as steroids, are at increased risk for shingles.
“Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox,” Konfrst shared. “While it cannot be spread through a cough or sneeze, the virus can be spread when in the blister stage.
“It is best to get the vaccine in order to prevent shingles; however, it is not fool-proof. Also, individuals who are under the age of 60 can get shingles, and the vaccine is not available to them. The best prevention method is to avoid direct contact of affected skin on other individuals.”
Shingles is a virus, so antibiotics are unable to treat the disease. However, some antiviral medications are available to shorten the length and severity of the illness. These medications must be started as soon as possible to generate the best results. Pain medication, oatmeal baths and calamine lotion may also help lessen some of the itching associated with shingles.
“If you develop an itchy, red rash somewhere on your body, contact your primary care provider immediately,” Konfrst urged. “Shingles can lead to multiple complications, but if treated, usually goes away in a couple of weeks.
“If you develop shingles, keep the rash covered and avoid itching, much like the chickenpox,” Konfrst suggested. “Wash your hands often to avoid contamination, and do not come in contact with immunocompromised individuals until your rash has developed crusts, or scabs.”
Konfrst practices fulltime at MHP’s New Sharon Medical Center. To make an appointment, call 641.637.2651.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
