CDC: 1 in every 3 people will have Shingles in their lifetime. Do you know your risk?
If you have had chickenpox, the risks of getting a painful, viral infection increase as you get older, according to health experts.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — If you have had chickenpox, the risks of getting a painful, viral infection increase as you get older, according to health experts.
"Once you've had chickenpox, the virus kind of lays low lays dormant in your system for many, many years,” said Dr. Leah Smith, “and then as we age, our immune system starts to decline, and then it can reactivate as shingles.”
54-year-old mom Laarni noticed the signs when she was flying to Hawaii for vacation.
“On the plane, I noticed a bump on my left side of my face and on my forehead. During the duration of the flight, there were more bumps that showed up.”
Once the plane landed, Laarni went to the emergency room and found out it was Shingles.
The Centers for Disease Control found about 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles.
“It can be a rash that eventually gets a scab and then it can last for several weeks. One in 10 people may have lasting pain after the rash clears up,” said Dr. Smith.
According to the CDC, about 10% to 18% of people who have shingles develop nerve pain that lasts for months or years after the rash goes away.
“The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones who are 50 and over from shingles is to ask your doctor or pharmacist about your risk and about vaccination,” said Dr. Smith.
For Laarni, recovering from Shingles has taken a toll, emotionally and physically.
“It's taken time because it first started off with the bumps and then the scabbing. Just the overall healing process has taken months," Laarni said.