Shingles is a painful skin rash that often occurs with blisters.
It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. In fact, only someone who’s had chickenpox – or gotten the chickenpox vaccine – can get shingles. The virus stays in your body and can reappear many years later giving you shingles.
Shingles is more common in people 50 and older than in younger people. It’s also more common in people whose immune systems are weakened because of cancer or drugs such as chemotherapy.
A shingles rash may appear on one side of the fact or body and last from 2 to 4 weeks. Pain is the main symptom which can be very severe. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, chills or upset stomach. For some people, the severe pain continues even after the rash is cleared.
A vaccine for shingles was licensed in 2006. The research shows that it prevented shingles in about half of the people 60 years of age and older. It also reduced the pain associated with shingles. It is recommended that if you’re 60 years of age or older, you should have the singles vaccine.
The exceptions are people who have severe allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin or any of the components of the vaccine. They should not have the vaccine along with those with a weakened immune system from Aids or cancer treatments or active tuberculosis. Of course, any pregnant woman or woman who may get pregnant in the next 3 months, should not take the vaccine.
If you have a mild cold you can take the vaccine but if you’re more than a little bit sick, wait until you’re better.
Reactions to the vaccine include redness, soreness, swelling or itching at the site of the injection. Some people get a headache following the vaccine.
You should look for any unusual condition , such as a high fever or behavior change. Signs of serious allergic reaction include difficulty breathing, wheezing, hoarseness, wheezing, hives, a fast heart beat or dizziness. These usually occur within the first few hours after vaccination.
If any of these reactions take place, call a doctor immediately. Ask your doctor or nurse to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Or you can file the report through VAERS at www.vaers.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-822-7967
Source: CDC Dept of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
Did any of you who took the vaccine have a bad reaction. Let me know. Email or write about it in the comment box.
Warm regards, Ruthan
