Shingles

Facts About Shingles

What is shingles?

Shingles, also known as "herpes zoster," is a disease that causes a painful, blistering rash. The pain associated with shingles may begin two to four days before the rash appears and it can last for weeks, months or even years after the rash has healed.

What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). Anyone who has had chickenpox could come down with shingles years later. The virus remains in the body, staying inactive in most people for the rest of their lives. But for at least two in 10 of us, it re-awakens and causes a second illness--shingles. Now that most children are vaccinated against chickenpox, the rate of shingles is expected to go down in coming years. In the interim, the millions of people who had chickenpox early in life will remain vulnerable to shingles.

Can shingles be prevented?

A vaccine is available to prevent reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, a virus that most of us carry in our bodies, and that causes shingles. The vaccine is approved for use in people 60 years of age and older, a group with a higher risk of getting shingles. The vaccine prevents about 50 percent of shingles cases in individuals in this age range. Vaccinated individuals who get shingles usually experience a shorter period of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), the severe pain that lasts after the shingles rash has healed.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Shingles usually causes a painful, blistering rash that appears on one side of the body, most often on the torso or face. Pain and numbness may begin two to four days before the rash appears. Damage can occur to the eyes or other organs if they are involved. The pain of shingles can be quite severe. It can also last weeks, months or even years after the rash has healed.

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

The vaccine is approved for use in individuals at least 60 years of age. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles and may wish to consider getting vaccinated.

Who should not get the shingles vaccine?

The vaccine should not be given to anyone who has a weakened immune system. In addition, persons who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin should not get the shingles vaccine People who may be in close contact with pregnant woman who have not had chickenpox should talk to their health care provider before getting vaccinated.