Ask the Experts- November 2017

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

Thank you for having this column.  Can you please tell me about shingles?  And can I prevent it from happening to me?

Dear Ellen,

 The varicella-zoster virus, is the same virus responsible for chickenpox.  So if you have had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells called the sensory ganglia.  It can reemerge as shingles even decades later. Often it is triggered by a lowered immunity (emotional or physical stress).

 Don’t put off getting the shingles vaccine if your healthcare provider recommends it.  Certainly if you have shingles symptoms (burning, tingling, skin rash on body, neck or face, fluid filled blisters), see your clinician immediately!!  Try to reduce your stress levels and feed your immune system by eating lots of fruits and vegetables. 

Thank you for writing to Red Hot Mamas