Mr. Zhang, a 34-year-old factory worker, usually enjoys good health without any chronic illnesses. In early March, he suddenly began experiencing alternating pain in his head and eyes. Despite repeatedly visiting ophthalmologists, no abnormalities were found. Mr. Zhang's headaches became increasingly severe, to the point where he couldn't sleep at night, and his mood became irritable. After enduring the pain for a week, he couldn't take it any longer and went to the emergency room in the middle of the night, asking the doctor for a pain relief injection. A series of tests were conducted, but still, no abnormalities were found. It wasn't until the next afternoon that small blisters appeared around his right eye, leading to a diagnosis of shingles.
Shingles, commonly known as "herpes zoster," is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the ganglia. When the immune system is weakened, the virus reactivates, causing a painful rash, blisters, and severe nerve pain on one side of the body. In the early stages, shingles usually present as severe, unexplained pain, with blisters often appearing two to three days, or even a week, after the pain begins. Even after the blisters disappear, nerve pain can persist for months, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.
Currently, there is a shingles vaccine available for self-paid vaccination. (Photo / Provided by Heho Health)
Mr. Zhang's shingles occurred in the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, which could potentially impair vision. This condition qualifies for antiviral treatment covered by health insurance. After a week of hospitalization and treatment, Mr. Zhang's symptoms gradually improved, and fortunately, his vision was not affected. Experts warn that while shingles are more common in the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, the age of onset is decreasing. Irregular lifestyles and stress can also trigger the disease, making it crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
If treated within 72 hours of a shingles outbreak, the treatment is most effective. (Photo / Provided by Heho Health)
Currently, there is a shingles vaccine available for self-paid vaccination. Adults over 50 years old are advised to consult their doctor to determine if they are suitable for vaccination to prevent shingles and its potential complications.
