Shingles
also knowns as, Herpes Zoster, is caused by a virus
called the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) — the same virus that causes chicken
pox. After a prior chicken pox virus or
vaccination, VZV virus stays in your cells. As you age and when your immune
system is down, the virus can reoccur causing Shingles. Shingles appear as tiny
little blisters or vesicles that appear along a dermatome. A hallmark sign of shingles is a rash on only
one side of the body.
It is best to stay away from older individuals, newborns and young
babies, and those with weakened immune systems (patients getting chemotherapy,
HIV patients, individuals taking medications that suppress the immune system,
etc.), until after your blisters have healed to prevent from spreading the
virus to others.
Shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) reduces the risk of developing
shingles and the long-term pain from post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) caused
shingles. PHN is pain after the initial rash of shingles resolves and can
last for up to a year. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
recommends shingles vaccine for people aged 60 years and older. Even people who
have had shingles can receive the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences of
the disease.
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