Health Tip: Symptoms of Shingles

(HealthDay News) -- Shingles is a painful viral infection that strikes the body''s nerve endings, affecting only people who had chicken pox when they were younger.

Shingles usually occurs in people who either have a compromised immune system or are 50 years or older. While there is no cure, your doctor may prescribe medication to help control the pain.

According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, you may have shingles if you''ve had chicken pox and have these symptoms:

• Sensitive or painful skin, followed by a rash in that area.
• Rash that lasts about five days as small red bumps, then turn to yellow blisters.
• Upset stomach.
• Fever.
• Headache.

If you have these symptoms, see your doctor.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Nov. 13, 2006

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