Viola Davis Mistook Shingles for Spider Bite

Viola Davis recently revealed her struggle with shingles, an illness she initially mistook for a spider bite due to the intense pain and rash.

At 61, Davis described the discomfort as a nine out of 10, with a rash spreading from her stomach to her back. She pushed through the pain, a pattern she associated with her family's work ethic.

After the initial episode subsided, the shingles reappeared as painful blisters. Davis recalled thinking she was bitten by a spider until she researched shingles, realizing it was a movie-like revelation.

Looking back, Davis recognized that stress and the natural aging process, which weakens the immune system, likely contributed to her developing shingles. She now prioritizes self-care, including therapy and morning relaxation rituals with her husband.

Davis advocates for prioritizing one's own health and encourages others, especially women, to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when something feels wrong. She emphasizes that self-care is not selfish but essential for well-being.

The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, can reactivate years later as shingles. Around 1 in 3 Americans will experience shingles in their lifetime, with risk increasing after age 50.

Early treatment with antiviral medications can lessen the severity and duration of shingles. The shingles vaccine, administered in two doses, is over 90% effective and recommended for adults over 50 and immunocompromised individuals over 19.