Latest news with #shingles
The Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Katie Radford rushes 9-month-old baby to hospital & shares reminder to parents to ‘always listen to gut' after diagnosis
KATIE Radford has rushed her nine-month-old baby to hospital and shared a very important reminder to all parents. Just days after the 22-year-old broke her silence on her split from her father's child Connor Carter, the mum-of-one urgently rang 111 for advice regarding her ill child. 10 10 10 Nine months after giving birth to her 'absolute dream baby', Katie noticed her son Ronnie Hudson Carter, who was born on 8th October 2024, was 'unsettled.' And after 'being sent to hospital ' and her son receiving a shocking diagnosis, Katie, who is a member of Britain's Biggest Family and stars in the hit Channel 5 show 22 Kids & Counting, has urged parents to 'always listen to your gut.' Posting on social media, on her Instagram stories, the brunette, who found out she was pregnant after being with Connor for six years, uploaded a snap of her youngster in a hospital bed. Alongside the picture, the eighth Radford child penned: 'Thank you everyone for all your messages. 'I rang 111 as he was so unsettled this morning, nothing would calm him down other than a bath.' Alongside a crying emoji, she continued: 'They have said he's got shingles.' Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. While it's more common in adults, babies and children can also get it. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in their nervous system and later reactivate as shingles. Mum-of-22 Sue Radford MISSED 'scared' 21-year-old daughter's birth as Noel booked posh Dubai break at £400 a night hotel Following this, the third eldest Radford daughter shared a message for parents, as she warned: 'Let this be your reminder to ALWAYS listen to your gut. 'I [saw] two doctors and got told it was nothing. 'Then after today being sent to hospital they've said it's shingles!!!' Can babies get shingles? IT is more common for babies to have chickenpox, and while they can get shingles, it is rare. For a baby to get shingles, they must have had chickenpox in the past (even in the womb), or they were exposed to the virus during pregnancy or shortly after birth. If the baby's mother had chickenpox late in pregnancy, the baby may have been exposed and developed a mild case, allowing the virus to lie dormant. If a baby got chickenpox in early infancy, the virus could later reactivate as shingles. Signs of shingles in babies include; a localised rash on one side of the body, often in a stripe pattern; blisters that scab over in seven to 10 days and pain or irritability, although babies can't express nerve pain clearly. Chicken pox vs Shingles In the UK, chickenpox is particularly common in childhood. According to the UK Health Security Agency, about half of children have had chickenpox by age 4, and 90% by age 10. While most cases occur in children, infants under four weeks old are at higher risk for complications. But when it comes to shingles in young children, according to Pharmacy Times, for every 1,000 children observed over the course of one year, about 0.74 cases of shingles occur. Katie's sly dig Katie's post regarding her son's rush to hospital and shock diagnosis comes just nine days after she shared a sly dig online about people making 'no effort.' After removing all trace of her child's father from her Instagram and sparking concern amongst fans that she and Connor had separated, Katie posted a brutal poke at those who haven't been present with her son. Posting on TikTok, Katie uploaded a video with the caption 'Only them missing out not Ron ❤️.' Alongside the clip, she wrote: 'One of the most hurtful things as a mum is seeing people who you thought would see your kid all the time make little to no effort.' 10 10 Shortly after posting the 31-second clip, Katie confirmed: 'Just to clarify this isn't about his dad, he still sees his dad 🥰.' Connor Carter then flocked to the comments and wrote: 'Only needs the people who bother.. he won't be missing out on anything/anyone. 'My little man will be surrounded by the ones he needs💙' The discussion on Katie and Connor's split began back in May, when the Radford family spent time in Florida on an extravagant £52,000 family trip to celebrate Sue Radford 's 50th birthday. The Lancashire-based brood had a sun-soaked extravaganza in the US and alongside the Radford youngsters, Millie was joined by her husband Harley Passmore. Katie posed on the beach whilst on the trip, but Connor was nowhere to be seen in snaps shared on the family's Instagram account. Connor's fears on being a "young dad" Not only this, but previously, on an episode of the family's TV show, emotional scenes documented the moment then 21-year-old Connor found out he was going to become a father. Clearly in disbelief, Connor admitted: 'I didn't think I'd ever be a young dad…scared.' To this, Katie recognised: 'It is a big change. I'm scared. I don't think anyone's ever ready for a kid.' 10 10 Connor then confessed: 'I don't really do well with change, I don't like it. I'm still a kid, I've not grown up yet. 'I don't think I'm ready now, I don't think in five years time I'd be ready, but it's something that's going to have to change really. And whilst pram shopping with dad-of-22 Noel, 54, Connor explained: 'I can't imagine pushing a pram, it just feels a bit weird. The Radford Family's TV history THE first ever episode of 22 Kids and Counting aired on Channel 5 on 22nd February, 2021. After the first series - which had just four episodes in it - performed well, Channel 5 commissioned a 10-episode second season, which was broadcast in 2022. They went on to commission a third series, which included a Christmas special aired in December 2023. The fourth season began airing in January 2024, but fans were left disappointed when it stopped after six episodes. Sue and Noel reassured viewers that they were just taking a little break, and the next episode will be airing on 21st July. You can catch up on all previous episodes of 22 Kids and Counting on My 5, here. 'I thought I was a few years off this yet. Didn't expect it to be honest. 'I didn't ever think I'd be here to be honest, not for a few years. "Gonna have a lot of responsibility and I don't like having it.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Heartbreak for Britain's biggest family as Katie Radford, 22, begs for help after baby son has mystery illness - as she hits out at doctors for dismissing it as 'nothing'
Katie Radford has revealed her baby son was worryingly sick with a mystery illnes. The daughter of parents-of-22 Sue and Noel Radford, from Morecambe, Lancashire, gave birth to her first child, Ronnie Hudson Carter, in October last year. But Katie - who has starred on the Channel 5 show 22 Kids & Counting - took to Instagram to beg for help after she noticed that something wasn't quite right with her baby son. She called NHS number 111 to ask for advice on what her son's worrying symptoms could be, after Ronnie wasn't 'calming down'. Katie said on her Instagram story: 'Thank you everyone for all your messages. I rang 111 as he was so unsettled this morning, nothing would calm him down other than a bath.' She said he was later diagnosed with shingles, which is an infection that causes a painful rash. The NHS advises people to ring 111 or get advice from their pharmacist 'as soon as possible' if they suspect someone has shingles. However, Katie also hit out at two medics who told her that Ronnie's symptoms were 'nothing'. She said: 'Let this be your reminder to always listen to your gut. I've seen two doctors and got told it was nothing and then after today being sent to the hospital and [they've] said it's shingles!!!' The mother-of-one shared the alarming statement on Instagram alongside a picture of her son resting in bed. Although the rash cannot be passed to others, they might catch chickenpox as shingles is caused by the same virus. The NHS therefore recommends that those with shingles to avoid coming in contact with anyone who is pregnant, has a weakened immune system, babies less than one month old or people who have not had chickenpox before. Noel first found out their daughter Katie was pregnant after he discovered a positive test in the family home and realised that it must belong to Katie. At the same time, Noel was planning to whisk Sue away for their 32nd wedding anniversary and accidentally booked a holiday abroad which coincided with Katie's due date. Their trip to Dubai fell three weeks before Katie gave birth. However, Ronnie was born early while Sue and Noel were on the flight from Manchester to Dubai, which meant they missed the birth of their grandchild. At the beginning of a 22 Kids and Counting episode, Katie and Connor are seen struggling to navigate the life-changing news that they are expecting their first child. The discovery is a shock to Katie, who hadn't planned to fall pregnant with her partner of six years. WHAT IS SHINGLES? Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. The first signs of shingles can be: A tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin A headache or feeling generally unwell A rash will usually appear a few days later. In rare cases shingles can cause pain without a rash. Usually the rash appears as blotches on the chest and tummy but it can appear anyway on the body, including on your face, eyes and genitals. Source: NHS Described as the 'most predictable couple' in the family, the two are shocked to find out that their family is about to become three. 'Me and Connor, we like a simple life,' says Katie. 'No surprises, I like to know I'm doing. Me and Connor do like a routine.' Connor adds: 'I feel like I'm still a kid. I know I'm not but I still act like a kid. I've not grown up yet,' said the hopeful but anxious father-to-be. But Katie made up for Connor's uncertainty. 'He might have doubt but I don't. Connor, you're going to be an amazing dad,' she says in a heartfelt scene. And fears quickly turn to excitement when the couple when the couple has their first scan. 'She could go weeks before and that would be when we're out there,' Sue worries. Trying to reassure her, Noel says: 'It's the first one, they never come early do they. Everything has been booked and paid for - flights, hotels, airport transfer. Don't flap, we'll be fine.' But things quickly turn sour as Sue insists 'we can't go', arguing she doesn't 'feel comfortable' making the journey as such a time. With Katie's seal of approval, the couple decide to embark on the adventure anyway - but Sue's worst fears are realised when her 22-year-old daughter goes into labour while she and Noel are on the flight to Dubai. In a tense scene, a panicked Katie calls Connor and says: 'I can't get through to mum and dad, none of my messages are delivering. I'm absolutely petrified.' With her parents having just arrived in Dubai, Katie fears that her mother won't be there for the birth. Immediately jumping on the next flight, Sue and Noel head back towards the airport to return home for the birth of their grandchild. However, by the time the couple lands back in Manchester, baby Ronnie Hudson has already arrived. Arriving back too late for hospital visits, Sue and Noel head back to the family home where they attempt to get some rest before meeting the baby. The next morning, Sue reveals she was 'tossing and turning all night' with excitement for meeting the baby. In a heartwarming moment, Sue finally has the chance to meet the little one. 'I was barely still awake but when I held him for the first time, all that stress of getting back on the flight and everything, was so worth it,' she recalls. 'You don't get those moments again,' adds Noel. 'Bringing a baby into the Radford house, it didn't feel real that it was me and not somebody else - or my mum,' Katie says.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Health
- Reuters
US FDA approves pre-filled version of GSK's shingles vaccine
July 17 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a pre-filled syringe version of GSK's (GSK.L), opens new tab blockbuster shingles vaccine Shingrix, providing patients a more convenient option to receive the shot, the company said on Thursday. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash anywhere on the body and can sometimes lead to serious complications such as long-term nerve pain and vision loss. The infection is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a type of herpes virus that remains in patients' bodies after they have had chickenpox and reactivates years later. The previous version of GSK's vaccine required a healthcare professional to mix the powdered form of the virus proteins with a liquid that boosts the immune response, before administration. The new form of Shingrix, which does not require the mixing, was approved based on data that showed both versions were equally effective.
Medscape
03-07-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Why the Shingles Vax Is Important for Your Cardio Patients
It's a rite of passage — or probably should be — for adults upon reaching 50 years of age: Getting vaccinated for shingles. Currently, the two-dose Shingrix vaccine, which is the only shingles vaccine available in the US, is recommended for adults aged 50 years or older, as well as adults aged 19 years or older who are immunocompromised. The vaccine shouldn't be a hard sell, given the available information about its effectiveness and the risks for shingles, John Pauk, MD, MPH, medical director of Infectious Diseases, Infection Prevention, and Antimicrobial Stewardship for Swedish Health Services and Caregiver Health for Providence Swedish in Seattle, said. 'The most important step is remembering to make the time during medical visits to have the conversations as part of preventative care,' he said. The two-dose vaccine could also be more important for patients at risk for cardiovascular problems. Research released last month shows patients who get the vaccine have a 23% lower risk for all cardiovascular disease events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Those benefits last for up to 8 years, researchers found, and the protective effect was particularly pronounced for men, people younger than 60 years, and those with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and being inactive. However, in a time of growing vaccine hesitancy, clinicians may worry they'll begin encountering some reluctance among their patients to get the shingles vaccine. Elizabeth Mock, MD, MPH 'It's harder nowadays because there's so much misinformation about vaccines,' Elizabeth Mock, MD, MPH, a member of the board of directors for the American Academy of Family Physicians, said. 'People are more likely to get their medical information from TikTok than they are from their family physician. That's a difficult thing to overcome.' Here's what physicians and other providers may want to consider when speaking to their patients about the importance of the shingles vaccine. Why the Shingles Vaccine Matters Ask any clinician who's cared for a patient with shingles if they'd get vaccinated for shingles themselves, and you're likely to get a hearty 'yes.' Ryan C. Maves, MD, professor of infectious disease and internal medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, celebrated his own 50th birthday by calling to schedule his first dose of the shingles vaccine. 'I've taken care of a lot of shingles over the years,' he said. 'I don't want shingles.' Salisia Valentine, DNP, FNP-C, MSN, RN 'It's just miserable,' agreed Salisia Valentine, DNP, FNP-C, MSN, RN, vice president of Provider Services at American Family Care. 'The ones who've had it are the ones saying, 'Give me the vaccine. This is awful.'' A few points to discuss with patients about the vaccine: It Prevents Nerve Pain As a neurotropic virus, the varicella zoster virus (VZV) is infamous for causing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). After the painful, itchy rash clears up, pain can linger in the same affected areas for months or, in some cases, years. Between 10% and 20% of patients with zoster develop PHN, and it can have a very serious impact on their lives, Pauk said. However, vaccination is considered more than 90% effective in preventing shingles and PHN in adults older than 50 years with healthy immune systems, according to the CDC. Treatments Are Only 'Variably Effective' While many treatments can be used to manage PHN, there's no standard treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may help people with milder pain, and an antiseizure drug, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, may be more appropriate for managing more severe nerve pain. Even then, treatments are only 'variably effective,' according to Judith O'Donnell, MD, chief of Infectious Diseases at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and professor of infectious diseases at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Judith O'Donnell, MD 'Some people do get reasonable pain control with them, but others do not, and you don't know who those are going to be,' she said. Maximo Brito, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, added, 'There are treatments that are available, but I think prevention is much better than treatment.' It Can Reduce the Possibility of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus If the prospect of nerve pain isn't enough to convince some patients of the benefits of getting vaccinated for shingles, the possibility of vision loss might be. The VZV can reactivate in the ophthalmic branch of the fifth cranial nerve, causing herpes zoster ophthalmicus, which may occur in as many as 10%-20% of herpes zoster cases. According to research, conjunctivitis seems to be the most common involvement, followed by keratitis and uveitis, but a small percentage of people may experience moderate or even severe vision loss, usually caused by corneal scarring. How to Bring Up the Issue O'Donnell suggests clinicians start talking to their patients at well visits before they reach their 50th birthday, when most people become eligible for the two-dose Shingrix vaccine. Then they can give reminders. It may also help to explain that almost everyone born before about 1980 is at risk for shingles because chickenpox was in such wide circulation during their childhood. That means the VZV is dormant in their bodies, waiting to be reactivated. 'Even if we don't know it, we were likely exposed to the chickenpox virus,' Mock said. 'Some people might have been exposed to it and gotten the virus and never gotten sick from it.' Clinicians must be prepared to respond to patients concerns and talk to them about the risk-benefit ratio of the shingles vaccine. 'Take your time, show sympathy, listen, answer questions, and (don't) get defensive,' Brito said. 'If patients decline, keep the lines of communication open around vaccines, and continue to revisit their vaccination status,' O'Donnell said. 'Be willing to talk through it and offer them vaccines even if they say no the first time.' Neha Vyas, MD Neha Vyas, MD, a family medicine physician with Cleveland Clinic, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, said she would encourage other clinicians not to give up on patients who might decline the chance to get vaccinated. 'If you keep talking, the next time they may agree,' Vyas said. Plus, 'this is not something that you have to get yearly,' she added. Maves emphasized the importance of candor when discussing the shingles vaccine with patients, which includes being upfront about the possible side effects. The most common side effects tend to be injection site swelling and soreness, muscle pain, fatigue, and possibly headache, fever, and shivering. He often recommends that patients schedule their vaccines on a Friday or another day before an off day, just in case they do experience some fatigue and muscle pain. 'Just be braced for it. Just be ready for it,' he tells them. Benefits Beyond Shingles Prevention? Eventually, clinicians may also be able to offer additional benefits of vaccination to their patients. Several recent studies have suggested that people may receive other benefits from getting vaccinated for shingles. For example, a recent study published in the European Heart Journal found an association between lower risks of overall cardiovascular events and live zoster vaccination. Meanwhile, the results of a recent study in JAMA that reviewed electronic health records in Australia suggested that herpes zoster vaccination may prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Another study, which was published in Nature , analyzed electronic health record data, this time in England and Wales, and also found that live-attenuated herpes zoster vaccination seemed to have a preventive effect for dementia. However, the live zoster vaccine is not available in the US, with Zostavax having been removed from the market in 2020. That doesn't mean that people couldn't potentially receive similar benefits from the recombinant vaccine that is available here. According to a retrospective cohort study published earlier in 2025 in Vaccine, the rate of dementia was significantly lower in individuals who had received two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine. More research could be helpful to determine if patients who receive the two-dose Shingrix vaccine could receive other benefits. However, the primary reason to get the two doses of Shingrix, which is shingles prevention, is a worthwhile cause all by itself, Maves said.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I'm still suffering from nerve pain after recovering from nasty bout of shingles – help!
AS July gets off to a sunny start, many of us are out and about enjoying the weather at festivals, village fetes and garden parties. Brits are notorious for letting loose once the mercury rises, but it's important to remember the risks to our health. 2 There were almost 3,000 deaths associated with the heat in the summer of 2022, the most recent statistics show. Groups such as young children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions need to be more wary. Hot weather can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heatstroke (which follows heat exhaustion) if precautions are not taken. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can strain the body, which is important if you have a heart condition. Remember the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, including dizziness, excessive sweating, vomiting and headache. Call NHS 111, but call 999 if the person doesn't improve within 30 minutes or has fast breathing, a fast heartbeat, a very high temperature, has a seizure or loses consciousness. Here's a selection of what readers have asked this week . . . SHINGLES IS CRIPPLING Q: I AM a 70-year-old woman recovering from a painful bout of shingles. When the shingles rash appeared, a pharmacist prescribed 800mg acyclovir five times daily and the rash went. I am now suffering from nerve pain and managed to see a GP who prescribed gabapentin daily. I can't say that the medication has helped much as I am still experiencing pain and intense tingling. I am not keen on taking it as I have heard different reports about its side-effects, so I wondered if there is any other way to deal with this nerve pain? This Morning's Dr Zoe rushed to A&E and 'writes an emergency will' in hospital bed after terrifying health battle A: It sounds like you are experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication after shingles where nerve pain persists even after the rash has healed. This pain can be severe and is often described as burning, aching or feeling like barbed wire, especially when the skin is touched or irritated. Paracetamol or paracetamol with codeine can help, but often does not provide complete relief. Prescribed medications for nerve pain are the next step and include gabapentin, but also amitriptyline, duloxetine or pregabalin. The thing to note about these is that they can take several weeks to become fully effective, so persisting with the gabapentin or trying an alternative would be an option for you. If you are going to get side-effects from gabapentin (common ones include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and weight gain) then you are most likely to get them when you first start it, or increase the dose. Lidocaine plasters and capsaicin cream can help too. In some cases, opioids such as tramadol or morphine may be prescribed short-term. Non-medication strategies include loose, cotton or silk clothing (to minimise irritation) and avoiding a bra. If you are keen to wear your bra then try using a protective layer of soft bandage underneath or a plastic wound dressing under your clothes. Apply a cold pack (in a tea towel) for 20 minutes every two to three hours, take cool baths or showers to soothe the skin and try relaxation techniques. If your pain is severe, not improving or affecting your daily activities, see your GP who may refer you to a pain clinic or a specialist in nerve conditions for advanced treatments, such as stronger patches, injections or cognitive behavioural therapy. Why am I always feeling unbalanced? Q: I'M 81 years old and quite fit. But for the past two months, when walking, I feel jittery and unbalanced. I take medicine for anxiety and sometimes I suffer from occipital neuralgia. Could any of this affect my walking? A: While occipital neuralgia primarily causes pain at the back of the head, it is possible to have associated feelings of unsteadiness, especially if the pain is severe and distracting. I'm interested to know what medicines you take for anxiety and when you started them or increased the dose? Many medications used for anxiety are known to cause side-effects, including dizziness, unsteadiness, impaired co- ordination and balance problems, particularly in older adults, as the body's ability to metabolise medications changes with age. This is especially true for benzodiazepines, which aren't used as regular treatment any more, but can be prescribed for occasional use – to manage panic attacks, for example. In the first instance, I'd advise requesting a medication review in the context of these symptoms that you have described. If medication isn't the cause, your GP may want to investigate further. This could involve blood tests to check for deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 or iron, which can affect balance, as well as an ECG to ensure your heart rhythm is regular. You could also check your own pulse – either on your wrist or one side of your neck. Tap out the rhythm of the beat with your foot and see if it seems regular. If not or in doubt, then get this checked. Additionally, it may be worth discussing whether your anxiety itself could be exacerbating the issue. Anxiety can sometimes manifest physically, leading to sensations of unsteadiness or jitteriness. Practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, could help reduce these feelings. HIDDEN PAIN IN BACK Q: I AM a 72-year-old man who has had a hidden pain just below my left shoulder in my back. You cannot see anything and sometimes it's not too painful, but I reel with pain when it's touched. Have you any idea what this could be? It is impossible to get a doctor's appointment. I have had the problem for about ten years, maybe more. 2 A: Your symptoms certainly warrant an assessment with a trained healthcare professional and an examination. Whilst the ten-year length of the history reassures that the cause is not sinister, being in chronic pain can impact our physical and mental health and it may well be that there is a solution to help with your pain. To share my thoughts, I'm wondering whether you might have myofascial pain syndrome (MPS). This is a chronic pain condition where pain is localised to specific muscles due to the presence of sensitive knots called trigger points. People often describe the pain as 'reeling', just like you have. It could also be a trapped nerve or something else, though. A pinched nerve could be due to spinal issues, such as degenerative disc changes or arthritis, which are common with age. So I have three suggestions for you to choose from. Firstly, you could attend a walk-in-centre or urgent care centre on a day that you are not working. Secondly, you could contact NHS 111 online who may be able to provide you with appropriate advice, which may include attending an urgent treatment centre. The third option is to see a physiotherapist or osteopath, either privately or you may be able to self-refer to physio on the NHS. This means you don't need a GP referral to see a physio – though this isn't available everywhere. Some practices have an in-house physio. When you next make an appointment with your GP practice, request to see them. Or search your local hospital or musculoskeletal unit and see if it takes self-referrals. The most likely cause is musculoskeletal in some way and a physio or osteopath would be able to assess you and determine the likely cause and offer a guide with treatment.
