Our New Future

There has been an explosion in the number of cases of shingles among healthcare providers in New South Wales that appears to be linked to Covid infections.

Given the rather obvious ties between Covid-19 and immune dysregulation, this is not a surprise.

Out of everything Regina Featherstone remembers about shingles, it's the nerve pain that stands out.

"I would take one step … the pain sears up," she recollected.

In December 2022, the 31-year-old developed shingles on her scalp and face, a time when she was both rundown and exhausted.

Initially, it was a small red lump on Ms Featherstone's neck, something she thought was an infected hair follicle. Her GP agreed with her assumption — shingles is more often seen in older people. So, Ms Featherstone was prescribed antibiotics.

But that same GP rang Ms Featherstone the next day to say that, having done some research after her appointment, this lump — which had now grown into multiple lumps — was actually shingles.

Something the GP casually said next is another memory that stands out for Ms Featherstone: That shingles cases are increasing, with COVID being one factor as to why.

"She said we have seen a rise [in shingles since COVID], especially in young people, because your immune system is just so compromised that you're more susceptible to your body just attacking itself."

………

One emerging question is whether COVID can increase the chance of shingles.

In 2022, a paper published by Oxford University Press reported that COVID was linked to an increased risk of shingles in patients over 50.

Coincidentally, some data suggests shingles cases have increased across age groups in parts of the country since 2020.

Once again, let me state, wear your f%$#ing mask.

Covid-19 is a particularly nasty disease, and notwithstanding the various treatments available, it has a very real potential to cripple or kill you.