Shingles is like an unwelcome blast from the past, reactivating the same virus that caused chickenpox in your childhood. This painful, blistering rash usually appears on one side of the body or face and can lead to long-term nerve pain. The risk of shingles increases significantly for adults over 50, and the effects can be more severe.
What are the symptoms of Shingles?
Early Signs
-Pain and Tingling: You might feel pain, itching, or tingling in a specific area on one side of your body or face. This can happen a few days before the rash appears.
-Fever and Headache: Some people can experience fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach before the rash emerges.
Rash Development
-Red Spots and Blisters: The rash usually starts as small, red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters.
-Striped Pattern: These blisters often form in a single stripe around one side of the body or face.
-Scabbing: The blisters eventually break open and scab over, typically within 7 to 10 days, and clear up within 2 to 4 weeks.
Other Symptoms
-Burning Pain: The pain associated with shingles can be intense, described as burning, stabbing, or shooting.
-General Discomfort: Fatigue and general lethargy can accompany the rash.
-Itching and Sensitivity: The affected skin area might be susceptible to touch or feel itchy.
Long-term Effects
-Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): For some, the pain can last for months or even years after the rash clears up, known as PHN.
-Scarring and Skin Discoloration: The rash can leave scars and cause changes in skin color where the blisters are.
Did you know?
1 in 3 adults over 50 will get shingles in their lifetime, with the risk rising particularly for those over 70. [1]
Why Should You Take The Shingles Vaccine?
-Protection Against Shingles: Shingrix is a highly effective vaccine, providing over 90% protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults 50 and older with healthy immune systems. [3]
-Reduces Complications: It helps prevent complications associated with shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is severe, long-lasting nerve pain.
-Decreases The Severity Of The Infection: If you do get shingles, the vaccine can make the episode less severe and shorter in duration, reducing the overall impact on your health.
-Prevents Recurrence: Even if you have already had shingles, the vaccine can help prevent future occurrences. The vaccine’s immunity remains strong for at least 7 years.[3]
-Enhances Quality Of Life: The vaccine helps maintain a better quality of life, especially for older adults, by preventing shingles and its complications.
-Promotes Public Health: Widespread vaccination helps reduce the incidence of shingles and associated healthcare costs, benefiting the broader community.
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Who Needs The Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is recommended for the following groups [2]:
-Adults 50 and Older: The vaccine is advised for all healthy adults aged 50 and above to help prevent shingles and its complications.
-People with Weakened Immune Systems: Individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as cancer, HIV, or treatments like chemotherapy should get vaccinated to reduce the risk of shingles.
-Those Who Have Had Shingles Before: Even if you have had shingles, getting vaccinated can help prevent future occurrences and reduce the risk of complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
-Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions: People with chronic conditions such as diabetes or chronic kidney disease are encouraged to get the vaccine to avoid the added complications shingles can bring to their health.
-People Planning to Get Immunosuppressive Therapy: Those about to start treatments that suppress the immune system should get vaccinated beforehand to prevent shingles.
When Should You Take The Shingles Vaccine?
-Adults 50 and older: Two doses are administered 2 to 6 months apart.
-Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems: Two doses, with the second dose given 1 to 2 months after the first. [2]
The key to preventing any infection is to learn about it first. Get a detailed understanding of shingles. Read along.
Keep In Mind!
Empowerment through early Diagnosis and Treatment: Remember, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key in managing shingles. If you notice any signs of burning, tingling, or a rash, seek medical attention immediately.
Remember
Taking the shingles vaccine significantly protects against infection, especially for adults over 50, ensuring better health and quality of life.
Get Vaccinated, Stay Protected
(The article is written by Dr. Nitika Makhija, Manager, Clinical Health and Content and is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
References
1. Available online at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles/5-things-you-need-know-about-shingles
2. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html#:~:text
3. Available online at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10630909/