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Shingles Vaccine

shingles vaccine

What is shingles vaccine (herpes zoster)?

shingles vaccine
Shingles rash on foot

Why Shingles Vaccine? Shingles is an extremely painful rash. In most cases, rashes are caused by allergic or inflammatory reactions. Shingles, however, is caused by a virus. In fact, the varicella zoster virus which causes chickenpox also causes shingles. When this virus is reactivated in adults it results in shingles symptoms. The condition is also known as herpes zoster.

Is Shingrix Shingles VaccineTHAT much better than Zostavax?

Yes it is, if you look at effectiveness.. The Shingrix vaccine is 97% effective at preventing shingles (herpes zoster) in people over 50 years old. The Zostavax injection, by comparison, is an only 50-64% effective vaccine in the prevention of shingles in the 50-70 year old age range and  lower for people 70 and over. Shingrix stays effective for a longer period of time.

When should I get the shingles vaccine?

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that people over 49 years of age get Shingrix in a two part vaccine. Zostavax may be used on those 50 years of age and over who have a medical condition or unrestricted to patients aged 60 years and older.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF SHINGRIX Shingles Vaccine?

Common side effects of the SHINGRIX vaccine are:

  • Discomfort, redness, and swelling at the site of injection
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue or Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Chills/ Shivering
  • Sweating/ Fever
  • Stomach upset

Symptoms of Shingles

The most noticeable symptom of shingles is an intense burning or even electric-like pain. Patients often rate this pain at 8 or 9 out of 10. On the surface, the rash presents as a generalized redness with many noticeable blisters. This generally appears on one side of the body or face. The location isn’t random, and coincides with the pathways of nerve bundles found just beneath the skin. This makes sense, since the virus responsible lays dormant in this nerve tissue until re-activation.

How Long Does Shingles Last?

Fortunately, this intensely painful condition isn’t permanent. A typical case lasts between 2-4 weeks. Permanent damage is possible in rare cases, however. This can include surface scarring which is the direct result of the severe blisters. Neurological symptoms include continued pain (sometimes debilitating), and altered sensations. These are usually felt as shocking type pain, a burning sensation, or a combination. Vision damage is also possible, including blindness, if the rash forms near the eyes. Yet as bad as this sounds, the majority of patients with shingles make a complete recovery.

Who gets Shingles?

In theory, anyone can get shingles. In reality those with compromised immune systems are much more likely to develop this painful condition. Adults over the age of 50 make up the largest number of shingles sufferers. This is because the immune system declines naturally with age. Those over the age of 70 are at an even higher risk.

At some point in their lives, it is estimated that 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles. Treatments exist, but they aren’t entirely effective and don’t work for everyone. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) recommends the shingles vaccine. According to the CDC, even healthy adults over the age 50 should receive the vaccine. It will help keep you healthy by boosting your immunity, compensating for a weaker immune system.

A person’s risk of developing shingles increases with age. In America today, 1 in 3 individuals will develop this painful condition.

Symptoms of Shingles

The main symptom of shingles is pain, which is often severe. Most people only experience shingles once in their lifetime. Only a small minority of shingles sufferers will ever experience the condition twice, but it is possible. Most will eventually return to full health, yet long-term complications can occur. These are rare yet potentially, including visible scarring and vision or hearing damage. These may become permanent.

Is Shingles contagious?

It’s important to note that shingles itself isn’t contagious. It can’t be passed from one person to another by contact with the blister fluid. This fluid can transmit chickenpox to those who haven’t had it yet, though. The chickenpox vaccine offers some protection, yet normal cleanliness precautions must still always be taken. The person is no longer contagious in any way once the blisters have dried up and crusted over.

Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles is an extremely painful rash. In most cases, rashes are caused by allergic or inflammatory reactions. Shingles, however, is caused by a virus. In fact, the varicella zoster virus which causes chickenpox also causes shingles. When this virus is re-activated in adults it results in shingles symptoms. The condition is also known as herpes zoster.

How Long Does Shingles Last

Fortunately, this intensely painful condition isn’t permanent. A typical case lasts between 2-4 weeks. Permanent damage is possible in rare cases, however. This can include surface scarring which is the direct result of the severe blisters. Neurological symptoms include continued pain (sometimes debilitating), and altered sensations. These are usually felt as shocking type pain, a burning sensation, or a combination. Vision damage is also possible, including blindness, if the rash forms near the eyes. Yet as bad as this sounds, the majority of patients with shingles make a complete recovery.

Why Did I Get Shingles?

In theory, anyone can get shingles. In reality those with compromised immune systems are much more likely to develop this painful condition. Adults over the age of 50 make up the largest number of shingles sufferers. This is because the immune system declines naturally with age. Those over the age of 70 are at an even higher risk.

Is Shingles dangerous?

Shingles itself is not usually life-threatening, but it can cause significant discomfort and complications in some cases.

The main symptom of shingles is a painful rash that typically appears as a band or strip on one side of the body. The rash is often accompanied by itching, tingling, or a burning sensation. Other common symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.

While most people recover from shingles without complications, there are certain groups of people who may be at higher risk of developing complications. These include older adults, individuals with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing cancer treatment), and individuals who have a weakened immune response due to certain medications or medical conditions.

Complications of shingles can include postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash has healed. Other potential complications may include bacterial skin infections, eye complications (if the rash affects the eye area), and neurological problems (such as facial paralysis or inflammation of the brain).

To reduce the risk of complications and help manage symptoms, early treatment with antiviral medications is often recommended. Vaccination against shingles with the shingles vaccine (such as the Zostavax or Shingrix vaccine) is also available and can help prevent the development of shingles or reduce the severity of symptoms if the infection does occur.

Should I be worried if I have Shingles?

If you have been diagnosed with shingles, it is important to take it seriously and seek medical attention. While shingles is not typically life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and potentially lead to complications, especially in certain high-risk individuals. Prompt treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the duration and severity of symptoms and lower the risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

If you have a painful rash on your foot or leg that you can’t identify, Call 878-313-3338 today!