Shing Shing LingThe patient is in great pain.Burning, electric shockKnife cut針拮，These都Is a shingles patientCommon adjectives，Someone elseFinger of a pythonPainDegree of cancerCame on even stronger.Even after full recovery，there's also a chance of long-term side effects, and thatThe pain has lasted for years, with every minute feeling like a significant amount of time that counts towards the total duration of the suffering.and the body and mindand daily life都飽Severely distressed.
What is shingles?
We commonly call itA live snakewhich is actually shingles (Herpes zoster / Shingles), is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (Varicella Zoster Virus, VZV) acute infectious skin disease caused by. PatientOnceAfter you've had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nerve endings until your immune system weakens, at which point the virus reactivates.ActiveAttack the human body by taking advantage of its weaknesses.並To cause a snake to biteHong Kong exceeds90%Adults carrying the chickenpox virus,The older you are, the higher the incidence rate.Shingles at any timeAbout to kick off!
Shingles symptoms
70%In the cases of patients with shingles mentioned above, the initial symptoms are itching and pain under the skin: burning, electric shock, stinging, and prickling sensations. Typically, a rash and blisters appear on one side of the body, spreading along a single nerve line across the skin. In very rare instances, the rash may cross to the opposite side of the body. The rash or blisters generally last1至14The blisters will gradually rupture, form pustules or watery discharge, and then scab over.
Patients will experience cold-like symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, and fever, with an increase in rashes and blisters. The pain will not be limited to areas with rashes or blisters; other parts of the body, such as the eyes, cheeks, hands, and feet, may also experience burning or pain.
Should the patient not have, at the onset of illness,3The day of treatment could lead to the entire nerve being infected and inflamed by the virus..AlthoughRecovery以後，也There's a chance「after shinglesPostherpetic neuralgia」（Postherpetic Neuralgia, PHN），BroughtTo continue性intermittent orAffected by the outside物Pain on stimulationIn daily life, I can't even get dressed, as clothes rubbing against the spot where the herpes appeared causesIt feels like being burned by fireExcruciating pain, orWhen the wind blows,Even the slightest movement of my hair causes me unbearable pain..This kind ofPost-herpetic neuralgiaa situation that can last for several months, or even several years.The longer the time, the greater the pain, and the harder it is to heal..
Characteristics of shingles, does shingles start from the back?
No, it is not.ShinglesThe initial location is primarily determined by where the chickenpox virus lies dormant, usually on the abdomen, back, buttocks, chest, face, neck, or limbs.also herpes first浮現The part.If herpes appears on the face, the virus may grow in the ophthalmic nerve near the eye.Can cause the patient to lose their sightIf the virus invades the brain, it may cause meningitis.
Only the elderly get shingles?
Undeniably,50Seniors aged fifty and above, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at high risk of shingles. However, this does not mean that younger people are immune! Consecutive late nights, lack of sleep, academic or work stress, mental tension, and a tendency to worry or feel depressed can all lead to a weakened immune system and reduced resistance. The varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the body, can strike at any time, triggering shingles. Furthermore, there is a possibility of recurrence even after recovery. The following individuals are at high risk of shingles:
- 50Years or over
- Had chickenpox
- Patients with chronic long-term illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, COPD, kidney failure, etc.)
- Individuals with compromised immune function (cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, those undergoing chemotherapy)
- People with autoimmune diseases (such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
- People receiving immunosuppressive therapy
- People experiencing high stress and sleep deprivation
Does the shingles vaccine prevent the pain of shingles?
Yes, the shingles vaccine (also known as the 'snake jab') is effective in reducing the chances of getting shingles and recurrence. Even if you are unfortunately affected, it can alleviate the severity of the illness and reduce the risk of complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia after shingles.
New-generation shingles vaccines are now available on the market.Shingrix(Snake venom), administered by intramuscular injection2dose2The interval time is2至6months), providing up to7years of protection, with an overall preventive efficacy exceeding90%, right70for people aged [age] and over91.3%Protection rate, and50or over can reach97.2%Centers for Disease Control and PreventionCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMore recommendedShingrixThe shingles vaccine is the preferred choice for shingles prevention. It is recommended that the following individuals, regardless of whether they have received the previous generation of the shingles vaccine, should receive the new generation vaccine:
- 50Years or over
- 18High-risk individuals aged [number] and above
- Compromised immune function
- A long-term patient
- Those who have had chickenpox or shingles
Can the elderly use medical vouchers for Shingles vaccination?
Yes, the Elderly Health Care Voucher can be used for the purpose of disease prevention and health management. Numerous studies have indicated that as one gets older, the risk of developing shingles increases, and so does the likelihood of experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia.60The probability of developing postherpetic neuralgia in people aged [age] or over is20%，80over the age of34%therefore50Elderly individuals aged [age] or over should get vaccinated as soon as possible.ShingrixSnake venom!
and upon reaching the age65Elders aged 65 or above can choose a clinic registered with the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme, present their Hong Kong Identity Card or Certificate of Exemption for registration, and use the elderly health care voucher to pay for vaccinations.ShingrixSnakebite treatment costs.
Will you receive a $500 healthcare voucher for getting the snake bite vaccine?
Department of Health2023年11月13launched the "Rewards Pilot Scheme," under which elderly people who accumulate usage within the same year$1,000Or a medical voucher for preventive and health management purposes, such as vaccinations, health assessments, and medical check-ups, you can receive additional$500Medical voucher reward.
Based on the "Reward Pilot Scheme" requirements for receiving the snake vaccine, anyone aged65Elderly people aged 65 or over receive the shingles vaccine, with related costs paid through medical vouchers., then you can$500Medical voucher rewards. Please inquire at Hong Kong Renhe Medical Examination Centre for details.
Disclaimer: This content is independently written by a third party for informational purposes only, is not sponsored, and cannot replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not represent any stance. If you experience any physical discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
