Beyond the Bedside: Shingles
By: Tyler J. Hyslep, PA-C Shingles can have a significant impact on quality of life. Luckily, there is a vaccine that can prevent it. First, let’s get to know what shingles is. Shingles is a reactivation of the Chicken Pox Virus. Per CDC, 99% of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox even if they cannot recall having it. Once we get chicken pox, it remains dormant in our bodies and can reactivate as shingles. Shingles is more likely to occur in people who have a weakened immune system, have had a recent illness, or have significant stress. Shingles can also happen without any known triggers. Symptoms include a painful, blistery rash that will affect only one side of the body. If the rash crosses...