• Shingles, also known as Herpes zoster, is not related to the sexually transmitted herpes virus disease called herpes genitalis. (thank god!)
• Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox. (be careful out there people who havent had chickenpox, please please please stay away from me for this period of time.)
• Throughout the world the incidence rate of herpes zoster every year ranges from 1.2 to 3.4 cases per 1,000 healthy individuals, increasing to 3.9–11.8 per year per 1,000 individuals among those older than 65 years (even toto wasn't that accurate, and my real birth age is 18 not 65.)
• Shingles may cause pain that can continue after the rash disappears. (yes, it's now causing my left leg to be painful/sore.)
• Steroids and antiviral drugs can help prevent long-term pain after shingles if they are started within the first two days of the appearance of the rash. (am taking medication now.)
• Shingles is also more common in people with a poor immune system. (mum, you gotta do something about it.)
• The whole process may take three to four weeks from start to finish. (sighh, it's a long way to go...)

References:

• http://www.medicinenet.com/shingles/article.htm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpes_zoster

Okay, i better go off now and keep the infected area clean, apply and take medication.

Labels: Shingles