(Wampsville, NY- April 2014) If you or someone you know has had shingles, then you know shingles is a painful disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles, also called zoster, usually includes a painful rash with blisters that can occur anywhere on your body, even the face and eyes.
The rash and pain usually occur in a band on one side of the body, or clustered on one side of the face. The rash usually clears within two- to four weeks. Before the rash develops, there is often pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach.
Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus, the varicella zoster virus (VZV). After a person has had chickenpox, the virus rests in the body’s nerves permanently. About 30 percent of all people who have been infected with chickenpox will later develop shingles.
Shingles occurs when VZV reactivates and causes recurrent disease. It is not well understood why this happens in some people and not others. The risk of getting shingles increases as a person gets older. While shingles occurs in people of all ages, it is most common in 60- to 80-year-olds. People who have medical conditions that keep the immune system from working properly or people who receive immunosuppressive drugs are also at greater risk to get shingles.
The best way to prevent shingles and its serious complications is to get the zoster vaccine. Zostavax helps to prevent shingles in anyone over the age of 60. It is recommended that everyone 60 years and older, receive one dose of zoster vaccine, including persons who have already had an episode of shingles.
Zostavax can be given at a routine healthcare visit, at the pharmacy or at the Madison County Health Department. Immunization clinics are held by appointment only each month, including each Friday at the Madison County Health Department in Wampsville. Visit www.healthymadisoncounty.org for a complete schedule. To make an appointment, call 315.366.2848 or visit the Health Department’s web site.