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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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March 24, 2009 |
A Publication of QVHD |
The Shingles Story
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Shingles is like Act II of
the play “Chicken Pox.” You can't get shingles unless you have had
chicken pox. Both diseases are caused by the same virus, varicella
zoster. The first time around it causes chicken pox. When it reemerges,
it causes shingles. After chicken pox occurs, the virus doesn't
disappear, but rather hides in nerve cells, perhaps forever or until it
is reactivated. The mechanism by which this occurs is not totally clear.
Stressors thought to contribute to the emergence of shingles include
injury, infection, immune system deficiency (which naturally occurs as
people age) and/or emotional distress. Whatever the cause, when it does
resurface, it results in shingles.
Shingles is a very painful disease . It can be so painful that the
slightest touch can be excruciating. Shingles generally causes a rash
that may last for several weeks. Unfortunately for some, the pain that
accompanies this rash can drag on for months or even years. This lasting
pain is called postherpetic neuralgia . The first sign of shingles may
be excessive skin sensitivity in an area on one side of the body usually
under the ribs, face (especially the eyes and nose), head, neck or waist
with or without a rash. This sensitivity then becomes painful and may
burn, itch, or ache. After a few days, this rash will develop small
white blisters, usually linear in shape. The blisters may have small red
circles around them. Over time, (about 2-3 weeks, similar to chicken
pox) the blisters scab over.
There are three important things to understand about the relationship
between chicken pox and shingles:
You can't get shingles unless you have had chicken pox. Essentially, you
get shingles from your own chicken pox virus awakened by some stressor
on your body.
It is highly unlikely that you can get shingles from other persons with
shingles. (Although it may be possible, though extremely rare, if you
are exposed to the fluid of the blisters of a person with shingles.)
You do not get shingles from persons with chicken pox, but you can get
chicken pox from person with shingles , if you have never had natural
chicken pox or the chicken pox vaccine.
If you suspect that you have shingles, you should see your healthcare
provider right away , as there are some medications (antivirals) that
can be effective if taken within the first 48 to 72 hours. Over the
counter pain relievers may help. Sometimes people need prescription pain
relievers to obtain comfort.
The Shingles Vaccine There is a vaccine available that can reduce the
risk of shingles. It is for use in persons 60 and older. In a large
study (about 39,000 persons age 60 and over) this vaccine was shown to
prevent shingles in about half of the participants. It also was shown to
cut by two-thirds the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, which
can occur after a shingles attack, is very painful and can linger for
months to even years.
But getting the shingles vaccine is not always an easy process. Many
doctors do not give the vaccine. Two factors affect this decision. One:
Most insurance plans do not cover the vaccine (including Medicare) and
it is expensive. Secondly, it must be kept frozen until it is given,
creating a problem for delivery and storage. There is also a question
about its value for people who have had shingles, although the Advisory
Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends it even if you
have already had shingles. If Medicare eventually decides to pay for it,
you may find it easier to obtain a shingles shot. Should you get a
shingles shot? You have to weigh the benefits (50% chance of not getting
shingles and a 66% chance of reduced post-shingles pain) against the
cost (average in our area is $200. plus the office visit.)
For a packet of written information on shingles and some suggestions on
where within the District you can get the shingles shot if your doctor
does not have it, call QVHD, 248-4528 or request online at www.qvhd.org
.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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