All You Need To Know About Shingles
Shingles, AKA Herpes Zoster, is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. When you get infected with chicken pox, the virus remains in your body and gets reactivated when your immune system slows down (HIV/AIDS, age, having other diseases like diabetes, and autoimmune disease). Usually it re-appears later in life, in the 50s and 60s. The virus starts with discomfort and pain, sometimes described as burning, in one area of the body, most commonly on the trunk or back, but can occur on any part of the body. The pain is followed by a rash, which are small bumps filled with fluid.
Shingles is very contagious so make sure you keep the rash covered, and always wash your hands. You are contagious until there are no more new bumps and all the lesions are fully dry and crusted over. Treatment is with anti-viral medications, taken for a week.
The biggest complication from shingles is what is called post-herpetic neuralgia- or simply put, pain after having the shingles breakout. This is a very painful condition and can persist for many years. The pain comes from nerve damage caused by the virus. This condition is treated by over the counter medications and prescription medication to help control the nerve pain.
Keep in mind that even though you have had shingles one time, it can recur many times throughout your life. The virus lives on the nerves in your body and waits for that opportune moment when your immune system is not at its best.
Prevention
The shingles vaccine was made to prevent post-herpetic neuralgia and lessen the effects of the shingles virus
Who can get the vaccine?
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Anyone above the age of 50 should get the shingles vaccine, regardless of having a shingles outbreak in the past. The vaccine is 2 doses, separated by 2-6 months.
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If you have never had chicken pox before, then you should opt for the chicken pox vaccine and not the shingles vaccine.
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If you are above the age of 60, you may qualify to get a one-time dose of the shingles vaccine.
As always, consult with your doctor about what is best for you!
**The vaccine is not recommended if you have illness with fever above 101.3, HIV, or a weakened immune system.
More Information
At Elevated Health, we carry the Shingrix vaccine at a price of $175 per shot. We can also order the Zostavax (one-time dose) for those above 60 years old for $256.
You can view more information about the prices of all of our other vaccines here.