Around one out of three individuals in the United States will develop shingles at some point — with elderly incidents on the rise. This rise in shingles cases makes it more important than ever to find the right home health care provider for your senior loved one. Lifetime Care in Rochester, NY, understands the conditions that impact the elderly community the most. Below, they share the basics of this common condition.

Home Health Care Provider Explains Shingles

What Is It?

Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including painful rashes, acute pain, tingling or numbness, blisters, fever, and fatigue. Symptoms vary and can range from mild to severe. Because this virus attacks the immune systems, those with already compromised health may develop more severe signs.

How Does It Spread?

Shingles cannot be passed from one individual to another. However, the beginner virus, chickenpox, can. Once the chickenpox virus is in the body, shingles can reactivate at any time. This virus cannot be passed through a cough or sneeze but requires direct contact with the fluid from the blisters.

How Is It Treated?

There is currently no way to remove the shingles virus from the body, but there are different relief options available. If you or your senior loved one develops shingles, remember to wear loose-fitting clothing for comfort, apply calamine lotion as needed to help with itching, and take over-the-counter medication for any acute aches and pains.

Shingles can be incredibly detrimental to your quality of life, which is why most physicians recommend the vaccine for individuals over the age of 60. Recognizing the early signs of shingles is crucial in finding relief options, which is another benefit of using a home health care provider.

Lifetime Care has five locations in the New York area, including Rochester, Newark, Auburn, Dundee, and Lakeville. The professionals on staff are knowledgeable and attentive to senior care needs and issues, from isolation concerns to shingles and other medical problems. To find out more about the important services this home health care provider offers senior family members, visit their website or call (585) 214-1000.