Shingles in adults is usually caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and meningitis. The virus affects the nerve cells in the body. It can also be transmitted to a person through direct contact. Most people infected with VZV do not experience any symptoms or development of any kind, which is why the incubation period of the disease is unknown. Meningitis is the most common cause of shingles in adults.
There are two major groups of symptoms: clinical and non-clinical. A case is when symptoms develop and a diagnosis is made. It takes about 12 weeks for symptoms to develop from an initial viral infection. Once symptoms appear, the virus continues to replicate inside the host cells until it is killed off. Some people develop no symptoms, while other develop fever, headaches, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and numbness of the face and hands.
How does shingles begin? The first symptom to appear is a rash, sometimes developed on the face. The rash may be yellow, red, pink, white or even orange. In many cases, the rash will continue to grow as the days pass and then fade as the virus inside the host cell dies down. Shingles can appear on any part of the body but are most common on the face, neck, in the genital area and on the legs and feet.
How does shingles begin in children? Children can get shingles in one of two ways – through direct contact or through an infection. Children who have had chickenpox are more prone to develop these symptoms because they are so young. An apprehended illness or injury can also cause a child to develop shingles.
How does shingles occur in adults? Adults who have had the illness have the virus enter their nerves and travel to the brain where it attacks the brain stem. Symptoms typically develop four to seven days after exposure to the virus. They can last for days and even weeks. When they do finally subside, symptoms only to return again as the virus re-enters the nervous system.
How does shingles occur in older adults? Old age is known to increase the risk of developing these symptoms. People who are overweight, suffer from a compromised immune system and experience symptoms such as these are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Men are more likely to develop it than women and this too can occur after menopause.
How does shingles occur in infants? Infants cannot develop the virus. A mother’s immune system will protect her child from contracting it. However, there are still risks. An infant who contracts the virus will be vulnerable to other diseases which can further increase the chances of developing shingles.
How does shingles begin? The virus spreads through the body of an infected person. Symptoms will appear six to ten days after the first appearance of the symptoms in the host. If the illness lasts longer than ten days, there is a chance of developing secondary infections. Once the virus has entered the body, symptoms will reoccur every few months or even years.
How does shingles affect a person’s body? It will weaken the body, create blisters and create the condition known as Zoster. When the shingles symptoms appear, treatment is mandatory to prevent the virus from progressing any further.
How does shingles spread? Shingles can be spread by direct contact with an open sore that has not been treated. In adults, shingles symptoms can be passed on by touching an open sore. This can happen when the person touches the area of infection and then touches another area. This virus is highly contagious and can easily spread between people.
How does shingles affect a person’s long term health? Once the virus is contracted, the person is highly prone to developing other illnesses caused by the virus. The virus is very contagious and can easily be transmitted from one patient to another. Those who have been diagnosed with the virus will have their immune system weak and cannot fight off infections as well as they used to. People with weak immune systems are more likely to contract other illnesses brought about by the weakened immune system.
How does shingles begin? If you have been diagnosed with this viral infection, you should find out as soon as possible about its causes and prevention. This will help to avoid other viruses from entering your body and causing problems.
