Shingles, a viral infection stemming from the varicella-zoster virus, affects those who have had chickenpox. Predominantly affecting adults over 50, this condition can be effectively prevented through vaccination. Understanding shingles and its preventive measures empowers individuals to safeguard their health and well-being.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in their nerve cells. Years later, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.
Shingles is most common in adults over 50, but it can occur in anyone who has had chickenpox. The risk of developing shingles increases with age, and it is also more common in people with weakened immune systems.
The shingles rash typically appears as a band of blisters on one side of the body. The rash can be very painful, and it can also cause itching, tingling, and burning sensations. In some cases, shingles can also lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and vision loss.
Shingles: A Common Viral Infection
Shingles is a common viral infection that affects millions of people each year. In the United States, it is estimated that 1 in 3 adults will develop shingles in their lifetime.
The risk of developing shingles increases with age. The majority of cases occur in adults over 50, and the risk increases significantly after age 60. Other risk factors for shingles include having a weakened immune system, such as from cancer, HIV/AIDS, or organ transplant; taking certain medications, such as steroids or chemotherapy; and having had chickenpox more than once.
Shingles is not contagious, but the virus that causes it can be spread through contact with the fluid from the blisters. This means that people who have shingles should avoid contact with people who have not had chickenpox or the shingles vaccine.
Shingles Vaccine: Prevention Is Key
The shingles vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications. The vaccine is recommended for all adults over 50, even if they have already had shingles. The vaccine is also recommended for people with weakened immune systems, regardless of their age.
The shingles vaccine is available in two forms: Zostavax and Shingrix. Zostavax is a live vaccine, while Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine. Both vaccines are effective in preventing shingles, but Shingrix is more effective and has a longer duration of protection.
The shingles vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually go away within a few days.
Learn More About Shingles
There are many resources available to learn more about shingles and the shingles vaccine. Some reputable sources include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).