Shingles: New Hope for an Old Disease [Paperback]

Mary-Ellen Siegel (Author), Gray Williams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 11, 2008

At some point in their lives, up to 20 percent of the population will be affected by shingles, which is officially known as herpes zoster and is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. It attacks adults who had chickenpox as children but whose immune system has weakened due to aging, illness, drugs, radiation therapy, or physical or emotional stress. For many people shingles is a temporary condition, which starts at a nerve root and moves to the skin, causing a burning pain, rash, and blisters, all subsiding within a few weeks. But almost one-third of all cases are further afflicted with a painful complication called post-herpetic neuralgia, or PHN, which can continue for months or even years. Other potential complications of shingles include inflammation of the eye, which could lead to loss of vision. This book shows the reader how early recognition of symptoms, along with the use of the newest antiviral drugs, can hasten recovery from shingles and its complications. Detailing causes, symptoms, treatments, and ways of finding the best care for shingles and PHN, Shingles also discusses recent developments in preventing shingles through the use of a varicella vaccine.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Until now, the [one million] people who develop this painful viral disease each year in the United States have had few resources to consult. Siegel and Williams fill that void." --Library Journal

Review

"Amazingly informative and thoroughly researched: a must-read for anyone suffering from or worried about shingles. It provides essential information to help care for relatives and friends who are suffering."

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: M.Evans & Company; Updated Edition edition (September 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1590771370
• ISBN-13: 978-1590771372
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,057 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Herpes
  • #31 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Aging > Skin Ailments

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars very informative, September 8, 2009

By 

Nancie Gee "Serious Investor" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shingles: New Hope for an Old Disease (Paperback)

September 8, 2009

The San Francisco Library system had ordered this book, but I waited about three months before I finally gave it because the book never came in. I was glad to read this book since it was written by a medical person, and the viewpoints was very different from an author who shared his shingles experience. Many seniors that I talked to did not know there is a vaccine to prevent shingles. I end up having phase 2 of shingles. That is, I had numbness and a burning sensation in my upper right leg even though I had recovered from shingles. The book made me understand that there is a phase 2 and 3 which an elderly person can get. It is the most painful illness that I ever experience since it hits nerve endings. If you've had chicken pox as a child, I urge you to get the vaccine to prevent shingles. For anyone who has shingles now, this book is a MUST reading.

Nancie Gee

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent information, March 3, 2011

By 

Jim B. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shingles: New Hope for an Old Disease (Paperback)

This book is a very thorough treatment of a terrible disease which has afficted and will continue to affict thousands of people. The clear warning is "get your shingles vaccine shot ASAP". If you are too late, this is very good information on what you can do to possibly relieve some of the pain, and what to expect down the road.