If you have shingles, you may be wondering where to go for treatment. Here’s a guide to shingles hospital visits, symptoms, and treatment. If you suspect that you have shingles, contact a healthcare provider immediately. You may also wish to read up on the disease’s prevention and symptoms. It is vital that you visit a shingles hospital as soon as possible. The sooner you visit one, the sooner you can get back to your regular routine and work.
Symptoms
The rash associated with shingles is typically mild, but can be intense or lasting for weeks. It forms in bands, which correspond to the areas on the body where nerves send signals. The pain is usually mild or moderate but may be severe and interfere with daily activities. Older adults may experience more pain. Open sores or ulcers can form in the affected areas. Although shingles is usually self-resolving, the condition can leave a mark and require hospitalization.
In severe cases, blisters near the eyes and face should be treated immediately. If the blisters are close to the eye, the person may experience blindness, hearing loss, and a brief paralysis of the face. The infection can also affect the central nervous system, which may lead to complications. The infection can also lead to a serious illness known as post-herpetic neuralgia. The disease is contagious, so people with shingles should visit the hospital as soon as possible.
Treatment
A primary care physician may begin treatment for shingles. These doctors can also include family medicine practitioners, infectious disease specialists, and internal medicine specialists. If shingles develops in the eye, a neurologist may be consulted. Pain specialists may also be involved if shingles affects the nerves. An epidural steroid injection may be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. For severe cases, an implantable nerve stimulator device may be implanted.
Patients should seek hospital treatment if their rash appears near the eyes or on the face. Inflamed eyes can result in permanent vision loss and blindness. In addition, the disease can cause inflammation of the brain, called encephalitis. It is crucial to seek immediate treatment. In addition to shingles hospital treatment, doctors may also recommend other medical care. In some cases, treatment can be given at home, although a hospital visit may be necessary.
Prevention
Preventing shingles is important. Getting a vaccine can prevent the disease and its complications, and it is often very effective. The vaccine can be given in two doses. If you have shingles, you should talk to your doctor about the vaccine. The vaccine can be very effective in preventing shingles, and it is safe for people of all ages. It is recommended that everyone age 50 and older get vaccinated against the disease, regardless of whether they have had the disease before. The vaccine is given in two doses, the first administered two to six months after the second.
As with chickenpox, shingles is caused by the same virus. Upon initial infection, the virus can stay dormant in the body for many years and reactivate years later. This infection can lead to pain, hearing loss, eye damage, and even death. If you get shingles, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to avoid serious complications. This infection can also lead to permanent eye damage, so prevent contacting the affected person if you suspect you have shingles.
Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the painful rash caused by shingles, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to treat the complication. Postherpetic neuralgia is the most common complication of shingles, affecting 10 to 15 percent of sufferers. It is particularly common in older adults. The most common treatment for this complication is antiviral medication. Your doctor may also prescribe antidepressants or anticonvulsants.
Symptoms of shingles are usually accompanied by a painful rash that appears between two and six weeks after the initial infection. The rash typically makes a belt-like pattern on one side of the body and consists of small blisters. These blisters fill with liquid and rupture before the skin crusts over. Occasionally, the rash can become infected. In severe cases, patients may require implantable nerve stimulator devices to manage their pain.
Cost
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of treating shingles is $525 per patient. The rash causes pain, tingling, blisters, and eye and vision complications. Patients may need prescription medications to manage pain and complications of shingles. A hospital stay can last anywhere from four to six days. Prescription drugs are also used to treat pain and vision problems resulting from the outbreak.
Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance cover more than half of the costs. Out-of-pocket expenses for shingles treatment accounted for less than 20 percent of the total. Private insurance generally covers a portion of the costs, but out-of-pocket expenses can be significant. Medicare Part D members may be eligible for Extra Help, a program that lowers Medicare-related costs. While the cost of hospitalization varies based on income level and insurance coverage, it’s important to know the cost of your treatment before you make any decisions.