A friend texted me this week to tell me he has shingles. He has it on his head and says it’s very painful, especially the accompanying headaches.

I had heard of shingles but didn’t know exactly what it is. A quick Google search revealed it is an infection of the nerves caused by a virus and it appears as a rash or blisters. According to the Johns Hopkins website, the condition occurs when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. My friend said his doctor told him that in people who have had chickenpox, the virus never goes away; it just lies dormant. Those more susceptible to shingles include people with weakened immune systems and older than 50.

That would explain a comment a Walgreens pharmacy worker made to me recently. After he handed me my medication, he asked, “Have you gotten your shingles vaccine, sir? Men of your age really should get it.”

“Men of your age”? I was insulted. But now I don’t care, because he was right. I do need the vaccine.

QOSHE - Fist Take: When sickness hits a little too close to home - Rogelio Yubeta Olivas
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Fist Take: When sickness hits a little too close to home

16 0
19.04.2024

A friend texted me this week to tell me he has shingles. He has it on his head and says it’s very painful, especially the accompanying headaches.

I had heard of shingles but didn’t know exactly what it is. A quick Google search revealed........

© Yuma Sun

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