Shingles Disease
Context:
A recent study found that 56.6% of Indian participants aged 50 and above know little to nothing about shingles, even though more than 90% of adults over 50 years have this virus in their body and are vulnerable.
- The survey was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Relevance:
GS-02 (Health)
What is shingles?
- It is a painful disease that is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- Shingles have serious and long-lasting complications, posing a high risk to adults aged 50 and above.
- Symptoms:
- Initially, it forms like a rash, much like chicken pox.
- Further, the rash causes aching, burning, stabbing, or a shock-like sensation.
- In severe cases, some patients experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last for many days.
- Treatment:
- Usually vaccines are administered to prevent shingles.
- Antiviral medications can reduce the severity and duration of shingles, especially if started early.
Prelims Question:
Consider the following statements regarding Shingles:
- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles.
- There is no vaccine available to prevent shingles.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
