How to Prevent Shingles

Shingles can cause a painful, burning array of rashes and blisters on the skin, so if possible, it is wise to receive a shingles vaccination to lessen the chances of contracting the virus.

Shingles is caused by the varicella virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Even after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains in the body and can sometimes reactivate causing shingles. If infected, shingles causes a painful, blistering rash on the skin, and almost 1 in every 3 Americans will develop shingles later in life. Although the rash usually lasts 2 to 4 weeks, some people experience pain that lasts for months, and sometimes years, after the rash goes away. This pain is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and is the most common complication of shingles. 

Pain from shingles has been described as aching, burning, stabbing, shocking, and even excruciating. This pain can sometimes lead to other conditions such as depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If infected with shingles, the blisters can interfere with daily life making daily activities like bathing, dress, eating, and cooking immensely uncomfortable.

How to Prevent Shingles

The best method to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. While the vaccination may not entirely omit the odds of getting shingles, it will lessen the symptoms and make shingles less painful. To get vaccinated, those 60 and older should get a single dose of the shingles vaccine Zostavax.

Although the vaccination is recommended for individual’s 60 and over, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for those 50-59 as well. Zostavax is currently the only vaccination approved by the FDA for treating shingles in the United States.

What Should I Do If I Already Have the VZV Virus?

For those who have never had chickenpox, there is a varicella vaccine that can combat both shingles and chickenpox.

However, for those who have already had shingles, it is still wise to get vaccinated to prevent any future cases of the disease. While there is no time restraint for receiving the shingles vaccination after having the disease, it is recommended that the individual wait until the rash has disappeared before getting vaccinated.

Who Should Not Get the Shingles Vaccination?

• Those with a weakened immune system due to:
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Drug treatment from steroids
  • Cancer treatment (radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Leukemia or Lymphoma
• Women who are or might be pregnant
• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin

What Are Possible Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine?

Like any medicine, the shingles vaccine can cause possible side effects and allergic reactions. To date, there are no cases of death from the shingles vaccine, and the chance of serious side effects is slim to none, although mild side effects may occur.

Mild Side-Effects of Zostavax

• Headache
• Redness
• Soreness
• Itching
• Swelling

In some cases, a chicken pox-like rash will develop near the place of injection. As a precaution, the rash should be covered until it goes away.

In the case of an allergic reaction, a person will experience hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness.

How to Pay For the Shingles Vaccine

• Medicare part D
• Medicaid
• Private health insurance
• Vaccine assistance programs

Keep in mind that shingles can be prevented if it is caught early enough. The older you get, the greater your risk of further health complications can become. If you or a loved one is developing shingles, contact your doctor right away to plan your next steps.