People often think that shingles is a disease that only affects older adults. However, it can affect anyone. My husband had an outbreak when he was in his early thirties. He had a lot of pain near his eye and then the shingles appeared. Unfortunately, although unlikely, pregnant women can also get shingles.
What is Shingles?
Shingles is the rash that appears on one side of your body. The rash turns into blisters and the blisters turn into crusty little scabs. According to WebMD, “shingles occurs when the virus that causes chicken pox starts up again in your body.” Anyone who has had chicken pox still has the virus in his or her system. When our immune system is compromised, due to stress, illness or aging, the virus can become active and cause shingles.
Preventing Shingles
According to Shingles During Pregnancy, if you are pregnant and haven’t had the chicken pox, it is important to “avoid exposure to anyone known to have the infection.” Stay away from crowded areas where you could possibly be exposed. This is a good idea anyhow to avoid regular flu germs too.
If you have already had the chicken pox, you can get the vaccine called Zostavax. It is not 100% effective but can cut the risk by 50%. However, even if you contract the disease, it is not as severe. Remember, that you cannot get the vaccine while you are pregnant. Instead, it is best to get it at least three months prior to becoming pregnant.
Since stress and overall immune health is a trigger for shingles, it is important to rest and eat well during pregnancy.
What to do if you have shingles?
Early detection is vital when you are pregnant. WebMD says, “Early symptoms of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching.” You can also have classic flu symptoms such as fever, chills, an upset stomach and diarrhea. Later symptoms include a rash in the form of red bumps and later become blisters filled with fluid.
If you think you have shingles, it is important to see your doctor immediately. Shingles can lead to problems with hearing and balance. In addition, it may debilitate the muscles where the shingle outbreak occurred. If allowed to reach the brain or spinal cord, you may be faced with dire problems like “stroke or meningitis.
Getting medicine to help the shingles is important to prevent Postherpetic neuralgia. According to the mayoclinic.com, this “is a painful condition affecting your nerve fibers and skin.” It can last long after your shingles is gone.
There are several OTC and prescribed medications that can be used while pregnant to reduce the symptoms of shingles. Make to discuss this with your doctor to make sure the medications are safe. Even some over-the counter medications can be harmful to your baby.
Shingles is not common among pregnant women. However, it is important to be aware of the risks and warning signs.
Source:
Shingles – Topic Overview, Web MD
Shingles During Pregnancy, Web MD
Mayo Clinic Staff Definition of Postherpetic neuralgia Mayo Clinic
