Celebrities get shingles, too

Follow me on Twitter @RobShmerling Perhaps you heard the news recently that Lin-Manuel Miranda has shingles. Headlines announced this in a variety of ways: Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is suffering from shingles (NY DailyNews) Lin-Manuel Miranda has shingles; must be quarantined from his baby (today.com) Lin-Manuel Miranda has shingles, regrets joke about blurred vision (CBS News). Without more information, these headlines might leave you wondering: is this a serious condition? Is it dangerous for children? Can it lead to blindness? What is shingles? The term “shingles” refers to a painful rash caused by infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a member of the herpes family of viruses. The typical rash usually leads to a quick diagnosis — there are groups of tiny fluid-filled “bubbles” or blisters limited to a single patch of skin. However, the rash may be preceded by burning pain over the skin, fever, fatigue, or headache. Miranda reportedly thought he was experiencing a migraine when it started. VZV is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox (usually as a child) can have the virus hidden in nerves beneath the skin. Years later it can erupt onto the skin as shingles. The name comes from the Latin cingulum, which means belt. The rash of shingles often spreads over a patch of skin in a pattern that resembles a belt. Shingles is quite common. According to the CDC, almost one in three people will develop shingles in their l...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Health Infectious diseases Skin and Hair Care Vaccines Source Type: blogs