New Shingles Vaccine for Adults!

The Food and Drug Administration recently made the recommendation that all people aged sixty and above receive the new vaccine for Herpes Zoster.  This is great news since 10-20% of those over 65 will suffer with this and almost half of those living beyond 85 will develop shingles unless they receive this vaccine.

Both chicken pox and shingles are caused by Herpes Zoster.  Once you are infected with it, the virus remains in your body throughout your life.  As you age, your immune system becomes weaker and allows this virus to reemerge.

In the case of shingles, Herpes Zoster inflames the nerve endings, causing significant pain, itching, tingling and burning.  The infection causes a rash that usually follows the full length of one or two nerve pathways.  The exact location of the infection can vary from person to person.  The pain can be so severe that it becomes had to bathe, get dressed or walk.  For obvious reasons, it can also have an effect on mental health: those affected often become quite depressed.

There are medications that treat Herpes Zoster, but they are not always effective.  Often, pain medication is also used to control the symptoms.  As in the case of many other viral infections, prevention is power!  Ask your doctor if this vaccine is right for you!