Shingles

About

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash with blisters, typically appearing on one side of the face or body. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain inactive in the body and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles.

The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent shingles and to reduce the severity of the disease if you do get it. The vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years of age and older, and it is especially important for people who have a higher risk of complications from shingles, such as those with weakened immune systems or those with a chronic medical condition. The vaccine is typically given in a single dose.

There are some interesting facts about shingles that you may not know. For example, anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, but the risk of getting shingles increases as you get older. In addition, people who have had chickenpox are more likely to get shingles if they have a weakened immune system, such as due to cancer, HIV, or certain medications. Finally, it is possible to get shingles more than once, although it is rare.

Overall, shingles is a painful and debilitating disease that can have serious complications. The shingles vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent shingles and to reduce the severity of the disease if you do get it. If you are 50 years of age or older, it is important to consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself and to maintain the overall health of your community.

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Interested in learning more?
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/shingles-vaccines