Aucklander Victoria Elmes had a fairly typical Covid-19 infection, with flu-like symptoms and fatigue. She was recovering from the virus when she spotted a small bump on the side of her face that, at first, she assumed was only a pimple.
"Then I had these awful shooting, stabbing pains in my head," she says. "They were like nothing I'd ever experienced before."
Elmes, 50, saw a doctor as quickly as possible and was surprised to be diagnosed with shingles.
Shingles is a painful blistering rash that develops on one side of the body or head. It is caused by the reactivation of varicella-zoster, the virus that causes chickenpox, which remains in the body, lying dormant in nerves near the spine.
A strong immune system will keep varicella-zoster inactive, but it may re-emerge as shingles later in life when the immune system isn't working as well.
Anyone who has had chickenpox at some point is at risk of getting shingles, and there is now evidence that it is occurring at a greater rate in people shortly after a Covid-19 infection.
Last year, a US study looking at 50-year-olds found those who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 had a significantly higher risk of developing shingles, particularly if they had been hospitalised. The theory is that T-cell immune dysfunction caused by Covid-19 leaves the body more vulnerable. This increased risk is believed to fade after about six months, once the immune system is functioning properly again.
Denne historien er fra April 15-21 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
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Denne historien er fra April 15-21 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Lost in the labyrinth
New Zealand was once one of the world’s most prosperous countries but it’s been mainly) down hill since the 60s. Dany. McLaucuLan identifies what’s gone wrong and the changes needed to keep us afloat.
A never-coming-of-age tale
Across 14 chapters, we chronologically follow the fortunes of George, from age 12 through to almost 40. George is an unlikeable character and we should be thankful that he is a fictional creation, because in real life no one would tolerate his deliberate and calculating cruelty.
Past glories
Debut novel takes a leaf out of the book of modern Irish writing, hurtling classical antiquity into the present.
A touch of flamboyance
Miki Magasiva fell in love with film at an early age and has finally launched a debut feature that takes a tragi-comic look at grief and families.
Pushing all the buttons
The fourth film in the hit romcom series arrives with familiar charms and fresh blokes. But it would be a good place to stop.
Gone to ground
The Te Aroha-filmed detective series that blends Irish and Māori cultures is back.
Refinding the self
Strokes and brain diseases can radically change our personalities. But with more understanding of how brains work, a leading neurologist says sometimes, our old selves can be restored.
In the cross hairs
Danish actor Claes Bang's late-career boost shows no sign of abating, as he moves from TV villain to big-screen hero.
Fabric of time
Tapa cloth samples collected from Polynesian nations on Cook's voyages have made their way into our museums and libraries.
Let's dance
Kiwi dancer, teacher and choreographer LEILA LOIS visited one of Manila's innovative dance companies as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.
