What Causes Shingles in Seniors?
Shingles is a viral infection. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nervous system for the rest of your life. It’s not fully understood why shingles reactivates, but scientists believe it is linked to a weakened immune system. That’s why older people are at higher risk than younger people. Unfortunately, shingles in the elderly is also more severe than in the young.The shingles virus can reactivate and cause a painful, burning rash, most often wrapping around one side of the torso. There are fluid-filled blisters along the rash, which scab over in 7 to 10 days and clear up in 2 to 4 weeks. Although rare, if left untreated, more serious complications like blindness, pneumonia, brain inflammation, hearing problems, heart attacks, stroke or even death can occur. The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the infection. This pain can be severe enough to be debilitating.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), early warning signs of a shingles infection(Opens in a new window) include tingling, numbness or pain in a specific area of the body. It’s important to seek medical attention for a possible shingles outbreak as soon as possible after noticing the early warning signs and symptoms. Contact your primary care provider immediately, as there are several antiviral medications and treatments that can shorten the length and decrease the severity of the outbreak.
The Mayo Clinic(Opens in a new window) indicates the cause of shingles outbreaks in seniors are unknown, but many cases are linked to a weakened immune system. Anyone 60 and older as well as individuals who are taking medications related to organ transplants or chemotherapy are at an increased risk.
Shingles Symptoms
Shingles symptoms may vary from person to person. However, intense itching on one side of the torso is one of the most common early signs of shingles.Other common early symptoms(Opens in a new window) include a pain or a tingling sensation in a specific area of the body, as well as:
- Upset stomach
- Fever
- Headache
- Rash
- Blisters
- Chills
- Itchiness and pain
- Burning sensation
- Extreme sensitivity
- Inflammation
Shingles Risk Factors
The risk of developing shingles increases with age. However, there are other factors that can further increase risk. A weakened immune system plays a key role in making it harder to fight off infections from the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles. Various conditions can contribute to a weakened immune system, including:- Certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids)
- Stress
- Recent surgery or illness
- Complications from diseases like HIV/AIDS or cancer
- Chemotherapy and immune-suppressing treatments
Shingles Complications in the Elderly
Shingles complications are not necessarily the norm, but some complications are rather common in cases among the elderly. Aside from the symptoms experienced during an outbreak, longer-term issues may arise both during and after a shingles outbreak. The longer an outbreak lingers before medical treatment, the more likely some complications become.Potential shingles complications that can arise in older adults include:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN): PHN is pain that occurs as a result of nerve fibers damaged by infection(Opens in a new window) after shingles blisters have healed. These fibers send heightened pain signals from your skin to the brain.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome (facial paralysis): Ramsay Hunt syndrome can develop if a shingles outbreak impacts facial nerves near the ear. Symptoms can include permanent facial paralysis and deafness(Opens in a new window), making it important to treat the condition immediately if suspected.
- Eye problems (e.g., blindness): A shingles infection in or near the eye can cause loss of vision.
- Pneumonia: Shingles can cause inflammation of the lungs(Opens in a new window), resulting in viral pneumonia.
- Brain inflammation: Shingles can cause inflammation of the brain, potentially resulting in loss of balance.
Shingles Treatment for Seniors
The good news is that there are several prescription anti-viral medications that are known to be effective against the virus that causes shingles. These medicines can shorten the length and severity of the virus.When dealing with a shingles outbreak, it’s important to avoid scratching the rash. Scratching can break the skin and increase the risk of infection. Wear soft, comfortable and loose-fitting clothing to minimize irritation. Be sure to get plenty of rest.
Alternative therapies like acupuncture, acupressure and massage can also aid in managing shingles symptoms. However, because shingles can cause chicken pox in certain cases, these therapies should be avoided until shingles blisters are healed. Always consult with your healthcare provider before trying new treatments. Regardless of the chosen treatment, the person with shingles will still need a restful and supportive environment in which to recover, because the discomfort experienced with shingles can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Treatments that can provide relief for shingles symptoms include pain medication, wet compresses, calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, and wearing loose-fitting clothes.
Prevention and Shingles Vaccine for Seniors
Because seniors often have weaker immune systems, it’s important to stay current on vaccines to help prevent or lessen the impact of conditions like flu, pneumonia and shingles. The best course of action to prevent an outbreak is to get a shingles vaccine. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends(Opens in a new window) a vaccine called Shingrix for adults aged 50 and older, which is available through a physician’s office or pharmacy. If you or an older person you care for had chickenpox as a child, talk to a doctor about getting the shingles vaccine to avoid this painful condition and its potential long-term effects.In-Home Care Options for Seniors with Shingles
Because shingles is such a painful condition, many seniors can benefit from in-home care support while recovering. Regular activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming and getting dressed can become difficult to manage on their own. Even seniors who are independent under normal circumstances may find it helpful to have in-home care while recovering from shingles.In-home care can provide help to seniors recovering from seniors, including:
- Medication management
- Personal care assistance
- Errand running
- Meal preparation
- Transportation
Family and Caregiver Support
If you are a caregiver for a loved one or become their caregiver during a shingles outbreak, it’s important to keep in mind that they not only need physical care, but emotional support during this time. Shingles can be very painful, but also frustrating and even embarrassing for some seniors.When caring for a loved one experiencing a bout with shingles, be patient with them and provide them with emotional support. This can take the form of:
- Active listening: Uninterrupted listening and giving your whole attention to your loved one can support clear communication during a difficult time
- Validation of feelings and experience: Be compassionate and understanding of their pain and discomfort
- Encouragement: Help them maintain positivity and assure them this condition is temporary
Frequently Asked Questions about Shingles in Seniors
If your senior loved one needs continual or occasional care, they can benefit from companion care in the event of a shingles infection. Learn more about shingles and seniors and how you can best support your loved one.
Are older adults more likely to develop shingles?
Age and a weakened immune system increase the likelihood of developing shingles after age 50. Older adults are especially susceptible to developing shingles if they had chickenpox as a child, as the virus that causes shingles is already in their system.
How long does shingles last?
A typical shingles outbreak usually lasts around 10 days. In some cases outbreaks last longer and long-term conditions can also result from the outbreak especially if not treated immediately.
How are shingles treated?
Treatment for shingles includes antiviral prescriptions, pain medication and symptom management. Contact your loved one’s doctor as soon as possible to seek treatment that can potentially shorten the duration and severity of infection. Prompt treatment can also help to reduce the risk of developing long-term conditions, such as facial paralysis or loss of hearing or vision.
What are some tips for preventing the spread of shingles?
The CDC recommends(Opens in a new window) that people with shingles should avoid scratching the rash and keep it covered so as not to spread the virus. Wash your hands frequently. Once shingles blisters have scabbed over, there is no risk of spreading the virus.
Is it safe to be around someone with shingles?
It’s important to note that while others cannot catch shingles from someone with the virus, uninfected people can get chickenpox from contact with the shingles virus if they’ve never had chickenpox before. This can cause individuals to develop shingles later in life.
If you’re caring for someone with shingles, remember to wash your hands frequently, discard used bandages immediately and wash any clothing that touches the area in hot water and with detergent.
How can caregivers support someone with shingles?
Caregivers can offer physical and emotional support to someone with shingles by assisting in daily activities that become painful during an outbreak. This can include providing transportation to the doctor and pharmacy, cooking meals for them, and ensuring they rest. For family caregivers who may feel overwhelmed, professional in-home caregiving support can be helpful during this time to make sure your loved one has what they need to be comfortable as they recover from a shingles infection.