health
What exactly is Shingles?
Rag Review BY THE RUSTY FORK
YOU have probably heard of chickenpox but have you heard of shingles? Shingles is a serious disease caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox virus. If you’ve had chickenpox you can develop shingles. Shingles causes a blistering rash and one in 10 people experience nerve pain, which can be severe and can last sometimes months or even years. What causes shingles? If you have had chickenpox, the inactive virus stays in your nerve cells near your spine. When shingles develops, it’s because the virus has become active again. Usually, a person will only get shingles once in their lives, but it can sometimes occur again if the person has a weakened immune system.
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numbness in the affected area of the body sensitivity to light fever and/or headache fatigue
To prevent passing the virus on, keep the rash covered with clothing or a dressing and always clean your hands after you touch the rash or change any dressing.
See your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing any shingles symptoms, as the sooner you start treatment, the more effective the treatment is.
How is shingles treated? Shingles gets better without any complications in many people. In others, several complications can occur. Shingles is generally diagnosed by a doctor, who will usually examine you and may test the fluid from the blisters. There is no cure for shingles, but it can be treated with antiviral medication. Treatment works best if started within three days and should ideally be started within 24 hours of the rash appearing.
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What are the symptoms of shingles? Shingles presents as a skin rash characterised by pain and blistering. It can affect any part of the body, but usually appears on one side of the face or body. Symptoms include: • pain • a burning, tingling or itching sensation • a stabbing sensation • sensitivity to touch
Can shingles be passed on to others? You can’t catch shingles from another person with shingles, but the virus responsible for chickenpox can be passed on by someone with shingles, to a person who has not had chickenpox (disease) or been vaccinated against it. This can happen when a person comes into contact with the fluid from the blisters.
I MUST say, I was a little hesitant when Mrs Fork told me that we were meeting mates in the Cooroy Business Park. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived at 20 20 Distillery. This little gem opened its doors in December and draws on the abundance of fruits found on the Sunshine Coast to create their signature gins and whiskeys. They pride themselves on delivering high-end spirits made from high-quality ingredients, including locally sourced raspberries and plums with spring water sourced from Cooroy Mountain. Their single malt whiskey is distilled in a traditional copper pot which sits pride of place in the middle of the bar. Being an accustomed gin drinker, it was hard to make a choice from the extensive menu. With offerings such as Holy Quandong, Pink Sauce and James Bond, I decided to let someone else do the thinking and opted for a “Gin Flight”. Mrs Fork and I sampled four half serve samples of these gins which were served with paired garnishes and tonic water on the side. It was a good introduction to taste a few of the
gins made at the distillery. The Gin Flight is delivered with a quick masterclass from the very knowledgeable staff. Besides providing for lovers of gin, there is also a selection of beers (including Cooroy Bitter) and fruit sodas. Also on offer are refreshing gin seltzers (gin with fruit flavoured soda), and a good selection of charcuterie and tapas. It’s a friendly space where you would feel equally comfortable coming from work in your high viz or being in your glad rags. And we love the Distillery Dog Rehydration Station for fourlegged friends! As it was too good to leave behind flavours of crushed raspberries, we purchased a bottle of Pink Gin which has become a favourite for an afternoon tipple. As the weather warms up, I’m sure 20 20 will become a good choice for a relaxed Sunday afternoon session. The tasting room is open every Friday from 3pm to 8pm and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 8pm. Service 10/10 Food 8/10 Atmosphere 7/10 (dim the lights a little, boys!)
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28 - Cooroy Rag, 06 October 2021
Call 13 20 50 or visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au Authorised by the Queensland Government, William Street, Brisbane.
