|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What is Shingles?
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is an outbreak of a rash on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus can live, but remain inactive, in the nerve roots of the body for many years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus can then become active again. Once activated, the virus travels along the nerve pathways to your skin producing a red rash. The shingles rash typically occurs on only one side of the body and appears as a band of blisters that wraps from the middle of the back to the chest. Other symptoms may include pain or extreme sensitivity to touch, fever, chills, and headache.
What are the risk factors for shingles?
About 1 in 10 healthy adults who have had chickenpox eventually develop shingles, usually after the age of 50. Most people develop shingles only once. However, recurrences in other areas of the body are possible. The risk of getting shingles increases as a person gets older. People who have a weakened immune system are also at a greater risk of developing shingles.
What are the complications of shingles?
For some individuals, the pain continues in the same spot long after the rash has cleared. This condition is known as post-herpetic neuralgia. With post-herpetic neuralgia, the damaged nerve fibers continue to send messages of pain from your skin to your brain. This leaves the affected area of skin so sensitive that clothing or even a passing breeze can be excruciatingly painful.
What is Zostavax® and how does it work?
Zostavax® is a new vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of age and older to prevent shingles. Zostavax® works by helping your
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
immune system protect you from getting shingles and the associated pain. As with any vaccine, Zostavax® may not provide complete protection from shingles for everyone that gets the vaccination. However, if you do get shingles after vaccination, Zostavax® may decrease the symptoms such as nerve pain. Zostavax® is not effective in the treatment of herpes zoster or post-herpetic neuralgia. Zostavax® is given as a single dose by subcutaneous injection.
Who should not receive Zostavax®?
You should not receive the vaccine if you:
are allergic to any of its ingredients including gelatin or neomycin
have a disease or condition that causes a weakened immune system such as HIV, cancer, or are taking high doses of steroids
have active tuberculosis that is not being treated
are pregnant or may be pregnant
What are the possible side effects of Zostavax®?
Possible side effects are mainly injection site reactions such as redness, pain, swelling, itching, and bruising. Most of the adverse reactions are considered mild in intensity and duration.
The availability of Zostavax® is likely to benefit many individuals by preventing shingles and the suffering from post-herpetic neuralgia. For additional information about whether Zostivax® is right for you talk to your physician or pharmacist, or visit www.zostavax.com.
|
|
|
|
|
|
