Do I Need the Shingles Vaccine?

 If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the virus that caused it is still living inside your body. It stays quiet for decades, but it can wake up later in life as a painful condition called shingles. At Hibari Family Medical in Edgewater, our medical team helps patients understand how to prevent this illness and protect their long-term health.

Understanding the risks and symptoms of shingles

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. It's caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. According to the CDC, about 1 in 3 people in the U.S will develop shingles at some point in their lives. This results in roughly 1.2 million cases every year.

You can't catch shingles from someone else, but you can catch chickenpox from someone with an active shingles rash if you've never had chickenpox or the vaccine. The virus usually targets people with weakened immune systems or older adults.

Symptoms usually start with a tingling or burning feeling on one side of the body. Within a few days, a red rash appears. Common signs include:

• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching or numbness in the affected area
• Sensitivity to touch
• Fever, headache, or fatigue

While the rash usually clears up in 2 to 4 weeks, some people experience lasting complications. The most common problem is postherpetic neuralgia. This causes severe pain that lasts for months or even years after the rash is gone.

Who should get vaccinated and why it works

The best way to lower your risk is the Shingrix vaccine. This is a two-dose series that provides strong protection against the virus and its complications. Our medical team recommends the vaccine for adults 50 years and older. You should also get it if you're 19 or older and have a weakened immune system due to disease or medical treatments.

The vaccine's very effective. In adults 50 to 69 with healthy immune systems, Shingrix is 97% effective at preventing shingles. For those 70 and older, it's about 91% effective. It also stays strong for a long time, remaining over 80% effective for at least seven years after vaccination.

You should get the second dose two to six months after your first shot. Even if you've already had shingles or received the older Zostavax vaccine, our specialists suggest getting the Shingrix series to ensure you have the best possible protection.

Treatment options and managing the virus

If you do develop shingles, acting quickly is the best way to reduce your discomfort. There isn't a cure for the virus, but antiviral medications can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medicines are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

Our medical team also suggests ways to manage the symptoms at home:

• Apply cool, damp compresses to the rash to soothe the skin
• Wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Keep the rash covered and clean to prevent spreading the virus to others

While the physical symptoms usually last about a month, the vaccine is the only way to significantly reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain. If you're over 50 or have health concerns that affect your immune system, it's time to discuss your vaccination status.

For more information about getting vaccinated against shingles, call us today or request an appointment online.