Shingles Contagious
It is caused by reactivation of latent virus varicella-zoster.
Colloquially, it is known as shingles, cannon or soap opera. In some areas of the Mediterranean such as Spain, Italy and Malta, also called "St. Anthony's fire."
It is a universal condition, more common among people with advanced age or with impaired immune system.
It is an easily diagnosed disease if they develop any symptoms and palliative treatment based analgesics to control pain and to stop viral infection. There is a preventive vaccine that is beginning to manage risk in those populations. Herpes zoster can present different complications, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the main sequel that may appear after the disappearance of the cutaneous signs and can last from several weeks to a year.
Shingles contagious is a disease distributed worldwide. It affects approximately about 20% of the population. There are no differences between sexes or between races. Can occur at all ages but is most common in people over 50 years. Approximately 4% of patients suffer a second episode of shingles, and some patients have reported more cases. Unlike chickenpox, shingles no seasonality.
The incidence of this disease varies across age groups. The annual rate of herpes zoster is 4.8 cases per 1000 inhabitants and about 75% of cases occur in people over 50 years. The annual incidence of 1-3 cases per 1000 population in less than 50 years, while for those aged between 50 and 79, is 5-7 cases per 1000. The incidence rises to about 11 cases per 1000 individuals over 80 years. With regard to postherpetic neuralgia, the overall incidence varies between 8 and 15%.