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"Snake" is a common name for herpes zoster, which is caused by the varicella zoster virus. After contracting chickenpox, the virus will lie dormant in the body. When the mental stress is high and the immune system is weak, it will wait for an opportunity to attack. Raw snakes will have rashes and blisters arranged in bands, distributed on the surface of the skin where the nerve lines of the affected spinal cord are connected. In addition to burning and tingling, fatigue, headache, gastrointestinal discomfort or fever will also appear. After a few days, the blisters dry up, scab and fall off, and the above symptoms will gradually subside, but the neuralgia caused by the virus can last for several years.<\/p>\n
As for the legend of "surrounding the body and dying", in fact, the human nerve line extends from the spinal cord in the middle of the back to the left and right sides respectively. When shingles occurs, it is usually distributed along only one nerve line, and it is unlikely to connect the left and right sides. Two nerve lines form a circle. However, don't underestimate the complications of snakes. If they appear on the face, severe cases can lead to blindness, deafness, pneumonia, meningitis, and neurological complications.<\/p>\n
72 hours after the onset is the golden time for treatment. Antiviral drugs can reduce the condition and pain, and must be prescribed by a doctor; topical ointments can also relieve pain and accelerate scab formation. Therefore, once the disease occurs, seek medical treatment immediately.<\/p>\n
The current herpes zoster vaccine can reduce the incidence of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia, and relieve acute infection and post-herpetic pain. The effect is as high as 70%. Vaccination may be considered in people 50 years of age or older, who have had chickenpox or raw snake (one year after onset), or those with weakened immune systems.<\/p>\n
Dr. Yongbai Su, Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners<\/p>\n