The symptoms and complications that come with a shingles diagnosis can vary depending on your age.
Take Dianne Feinstein, a Democratic senator from California, as an example.
Feinstein, 89, wasdiagnosed with shingles in Februarybut continues to have complications from the viral infection.
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You may have heard of the latter thanks to another public figure.
Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is sparked by varicella zoster, the same virus that causes shingles and chickenpox.
Theyre also at risk for eye complications, pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation, and even death.
For example, an older adult with shingles is more likely to develop PHN and experience more severe pain.
About half of all shingles cases occur in adults who are 60 years of age or older.
Why Does Shingles Impact People So Differently?
The older you are and the more immunocompromised you are, there are higher risks, Szema said.
When you get the virus, its inactive or dormant; it never goes away, Szema said.
Justin Bieber is of the age such that he was eligible for the chickenpox vaccine.
These medicines are most effective if you start taking them as soon as possible after the rash appears.
In addition, some topical creams or ointments can be applied directly to the affected areas.
Is It Possible to Prevent Shingles Complications?
It can also help prevent postherpetic neuralgia.
Two doses of the vaccine were also found to be effective in the prevention of PHN.
Besides vaccination, Green said people can prevent shingles by maintaining a healthy immune system.
Experts say one of the most effective ways to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated.
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