Stay Cozy This Fall: How to Prevent and Treat Shingles

How to Prevent and Treat Shingles

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures drop, many people enjoy the cozy aspects of autumn. However, fall can also bring an increased risk of certain health issues, including shingles. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster), often flares up when the immune system is weakened, which can happen during seasonal changes or times of stress.

What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?

Shingles typically starts with pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body, often followed by a red, blistering rash. Some people also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, or fatigue. The rash usually appears a few days after the initial pain, and early treatment is key to minimizing its impact and reducing the risk of complications, like long-term nerve pain.

Why Is Shingles More Common in Fall?

Fall is a time when our immune systems often work harder to adjust to the seasonal shift, making us more susceptible to viruses. Stress also tends to rise during this time, whether from returning to school, preparing for the holidays, or adjusting to shorter days. These factors can trigger the shingles virus to reactivate, leading to an outbreak.

How We Can Help?

At Angela Azar MD PC our team specializes in managing skin conditions like shingles. If you suspect you’re developing shingles, we can help with antiviral medications that may shorten the outbreak and prevent complications. For those dealing with ongoing nerve pain from shingles, we offer treatments to help manage long-term discomfort.

Can Shingles Be Prevented?

The best defense against shingles is prevention. If you’re over 50 or have a weakened immune system, we highly recommend the shingles vaccine, which significantly reduces your risk of an outbreak. Fall is the perfect time to protect yourself, so talk to us about whether the vaccine is right for you.

Enjoy a Healthy and Comfortable Fall

Don’t let shingles disrupt your fall comfort. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to learn more about prevention, our team at Angela Azar MD is here to help. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward staying healthy and enjoying all the wonderful things fall has to offer.

Fall is for cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and vibrant leaves—not shingles. Let us help you stay healthy this season!