Key Facts Pertaining To The Treatment Of Shingles

Posted on May 14, 2011 by Joe Homps

Key Facts Pertaining To The Treatment Of Shingles

Article by Matthew Cullen







Perhaps the first time you saw the blistering associated with shingles, you thought you got bit by a spider or had some sort of contact dermatitis. Pain is the defining characteristic of shingles symptoms, versus any other type of rash. Usually, you’ll begin having headaches for a week or feeling a phantom pain around your abdomen or face. Often this pain is mistaken for kidney, stomach or heart problems at first. Once you see the telltale rash appear in a thick band around one side of your face, chest or abdomen, call the doctor right away to curb the virus before it gets out of hand. Do not delay getting shingles treatment.

When a diagnosis has been made, you will commence your treatment by means of antiviral medications that go after the root cause of your problem. Doctors say that it is best to start your course of treatment within two days of observing the shingles rash to lessen your risk of developing issues like post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is long term pain that persists for weeks, months or even years after the sores clear up. If a swift attack is not made on the virus, then it may very well cause damage to nerve endings, which is usually very hard to deal with. In fact, it’s believed that 40-50% of sufferers will not benefit from treatment for PHN in any way.

Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, aspirin or ibuprofen have all been used in shingles treatment to reduce pain. Topical antibiotics like benzoin, applied directly to the blisters, can stop the infection and relieve some of the burning or itching. People under the age of 50 may also be prescribed corticosteroids to reduce their pain. Even though there are over-the-counter pain management options for shingles, it’s important to visit your primary physician to receive antiviral medication as well. If financing is an issue, ask your doctor about getting the generic equivalent for Valtrex, which is available as of this year.

A third of the people undergoing shingles treatment will develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Patients who develop this condition don’t typically respond to conventional pain management treatments for shingles. They usually need harder drugs from the opioid family, including codeine, oxycodone or morphine patches. Topical anesthetics like lidocaine patches or topical creams containing capsaicin (the substance that makes chili spicy) can also provide pain relief. Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsant medications have also been used to treat the serious excruciating pain of lingering shingles after-effects.

When investigating anti-HIV drugs, Chris McGuigan, a professor of medicinal chemistry, lately discovered a new group of compounds that can attack the shingles virus directly. “We’ve always needed a cure for shingles and after we made our discovery we were in the fortunate position of being able to not simply observe it, but crucially exploit it,” McGuigan said. In spite of funding setbacks owing to the fact that shingles isn’t a deadly disease, McGuigan’s drug for the treatment of shingles, named Inhibitex, which is 10,000 times more potent than the present drug treatments being prescribed, has at last made it to clinical trials. “My inbox is overflowing with messages from shingles sufferers saying life just isn’t tolerable, their pain is so bad,” he adds, noting the critical nature of developing a better treatment for this excruciating rash.



About the Author

Shingles symptoms affect huge expanses of skin, and can do physical damage as well as psychological damage. Click here to get more shingles facts to help you learn to manage this disease.

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Gaf Shingles Guide

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

Gaf Shingles Guide

Do you seek information on not only getting the correct shingles for the job, but buying them at a cheap price as well? Believe it or not, you can get a top quality product at a discount fee. You need to use caution when buying something as vital as shingles. The topside of a building is the first line of defense against the elements. Community stores or salesmen may not have your best interest at heart. An example of a high quality type would be Gaf shingles. However, there are a number of things you need to be careful of when going through with the purchase. I will share that information with you here.

To being with, you should choose what type of shingle is right for your home. Aesthetics play a role, of course, but you may need to consider functionality and practicality as well. Here are a few examples of shingles: Slate shingles, Fiberglass shingles, Elk shingles, and Metal shingles. There are many others. You might also get some made of copper, tin, and various other types of wood. If you will be using organic material, like wood, then make certain they have the right treatment. Weather can be viscious. The last thing you need is for your shingles to start rotting apart. This will lead to extensive roof damage. Metal based shingles also require special treatment. There are some other options, like ceramic tiles, but that is a separate discussion. Make certain you discuss this with your supplier. The location of your home will dictate which type of shingle you use. Gaf shingles tend to have a large variety, so that is a good place to start. That will give you a large range of options.

As previously stated, weather plays a vital role in choice of shingles. The location of your home can determine how you build a home. For example, if your home is built in an area that often receives violent winds then you should pick a more firm material that does not create too much drag. This would simply put more stress on your roof than what is safe. Likewise, conditions like humidity and heat are crucial. In dry areas you may consider raised tile or ceramic. Gaps and spaces between the shingle or roofing material and the actual roof tend to reduce heat. This in turn lowers energy bills. I have resided in a few homes in desert climates. My first house had the most typical shingles. My second used raised tile shingles bought through Gaf shingles. The difference on my bill was quite large. The raised tile was a lot cheaper by over thirty-five percent. This is an example of how important shingle choices can be.

No matter where you buy your shingles or who you get to install them, make sure that you do adequate research beforehand. It would be ill advised to walk into a store or a negotiation without knowing the pertinent facts. This allows more unscrupulous individuals to take an unfair advantage. So do not forget, understand how you want your home to look, the weather it will be subject to, and the quality of the shingle product itself.

Do you need additional information on Gaf shingles?

Frank Smith has been reviewing products in both local publications and online since 1997.

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What you Should Ask About Shingles Disease

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

What you Should Ask About Shingles Disease

An estimate of about a million people in America suffer from shingles disease every year. If you haven’t heard of the disease, its time you get yourself informed. You or a loved one could be at risk of suffering from shingles disease.

What causes shingles?

This disease is closely associated with chicken pox. This is because the virus varicella zoster which causes chicken pox is also the cause of shingles disease. In addition, a person can only suffer from shingles if he has had chicken pox in the past. This is because the chicken pox virus lies dormant after patient recuperation and can recur at some point in the person’s life as shingles.

Is it the same as herpes?

Another name for shingles is herpes zoster. Some other skin diseases may also carry the name herpes. Shingles disease however and some other skin diseases carrying the name herpes is not the same as genital herpes which is a sexually transmitted disease.

Who is at risk of having shingles?

Anyone who has had chicken pox may get shingles. Most of the time though children and young adults who still have strong immune systems may still be able to avoid the illness. Those who are at high risk of developing shingles disease are those with weakened immune systems. These include the elderly and those who are extremely stressed out or fatigued. Of course, people who are severely sick with cancer, AIDS, leukemia and other illnesses also have a higher risk of developing shingles disease.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

The disease is also often called St. Anthony’s Fire because of the seemingly fiery pain the comes from the nerves and runs through the muscles and tissues. Aside from the pain, one will also develop reddish blisters. Fever, chills, fatigue, headache and stomach pains also accompany shingles. Of course, the rashes or blisters may also feel a little itchy.

Are there any complications that follow shingles?

Some individuals may experience shingles more than once. In some cases, even if shingles does not recur, an individual may experience post herpetic neuralgia. This is an enduring and chronic pain usually among the elderly that may go on long after the shingles disease has been treated. In rare instances, shingles can cause some paralysis, encephalitis, pneumonia, blindness, ear problems and even death.

Can shingles spread?

People who have never had chicken pox or have not been vaccinated must steer clear from fresh, active blisters. It cannot however, be transmitted through casual, indirect contact. Once the blisters develop a crust, the virus can no longer be spread.

How do you avoid shingles?

Have yourself vaccinated against chicken pox. If you’ve already had chicken pox before, then you can delay the incidence of shingles disease by keeping your immune system strong and healthy. People with shingles should keep blisters covered to avoid transmitting the virus to others.

Do you know what cause shingles? Find facts from medical professionals on shingles disease from its causes to its treatment.

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Important Facts About The Shingles Virus

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

Important Facts About The Shingles Virus

Article by Matthew Cullen







The shingles disease is in fact the chickenpox virus that has become reactivated. Consequently if you’ve ever had chickenpox, you may develop shingles, and actually, approximately a million Americans contract it every year. The virus travels along the nerve pathways to the skin’s surface, where it causes terrible pain accompanied by a band-like rash with oozing, burning skin lesions, all of which persists for about 3-4 weeks. Generally it begins with pain – like a headache – for a week or so, and then the painful rash develops. Once chickenpox has run its course, the varicella zoster virus retreats to nerve cells within the spinal cord where it may lie dormant for decades. Doctors aren’t sure what causes this virus to reactivate, but they note a link between patients with shingles virus and weakened immune systems (either through stress or old age).

The pain caused by the shingles virus is so severe and nonspecific that people often feel they are experiencing a number of other maladies at first. Some patients wonder if they’re having a heart attack, kidney stones, gallstones or appendicitis, depending on which nerve is affected. Often people report numbness, itching, tingling and pain before the rash, which is the main symptom of shingles, appears a few days or even a week later.

Once the rash appears, patients are strongly urged to see their doctors immediately to take antiviral medication and discuss pain medicine treatments before the nerves get damaged and the symptoms become chronic.

One of the complications of the shingles virus is called the Ramsay Hunt syndrome. This occurs when the virus runs down a facial nerve, causing severe ear pain and rash expansion over delicate areas of the face. The rash covers the outer ear, the ear canal and even the soft palate on the roof of the mouth. The eyes and the neck can also be affected, making it difficult to see or breathe.

“My husband was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for prostate cancer when he developed shingles in his right eye,” Julia Hershfield, of Kensington, Maryland describes. “The pain was so bad that he lost all will to live. Shingles finished him.” People with severely weakened immune systems may have this painful rash spread to internal organs affecting the lungs, brain and central nervous system, which can even cause death.

The highest risk pool for shingles virus reactivation seems to be people with weakened immune systems from leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, or HIV. Many people enduring radiation or chemotherapy, transplant surgery with immunosuppressive drugs or corticosteroid medication treatments are also more susceptible. More than half of the people who come down with shingles are over age 50, and 5% of the people with shingles are found to have an underlying, undiagnosed cancer. It is highly recommended that people over the age of 60 get the shingles vaccine.



About the Author

Shingles is a disease that is caused by a variation of the herpes virus which is related to chicken pox. It causes painful eruptions on the skin but fortunately there are ways to minimize the pain of a shingles skin rash. Learn more at the Shingles Disease site.

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Natural Relief for Chronic Pain: Top 5 Remedies

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

Natural Relief for Chronic Pain: Top 5 Remedies

You are in chronic pain, and you’re sick of prescription pills which don’t seem to work. After weeks, months, years, or even a lifetime, you are looking for other natural chronic pain relief alternatives. What can you do?

The top 5 natural pain relief methods for chronic pain sufferers today are:

Ayurveda: a holistic way to achieving optimum health

Ayurveda is a natural relief method which does not merely target the symptoms manifested in a patient, but rather deals with the root causes of chronic pain. With the usage of natural oils and traditional herbs, ayurveda treatment harnesses the power of the mind to complement well-balanced, healthy living. When an individual’s health condition improves, pain subsides as well.

Fish oil: significantly reducing joint pain

Fish oil is great for joint pain caused by arthritis or autoimmune disorders. When digested, fish oil releases prostaglandins, which are hormone-like chemicals with inflammation reduction properties. This helps greatly in chronic pain relief. Scottish scientists recently conducted a study where 40% of rheumatoid arthritis patients who took cod-liver oil every day were able to cut their NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) use by more than a third. Although 1,000 mg is sufficient for heart health, at least 6,000 – 8,000 mg is necessary for pain relief. However, please consult your doctor before beginning such a routine.

Capsaicin: arthritis, shingles, and neuropathy

Capsaicin is an active component of chile pepper which desensitizes C-fibers, a type of pain nerve receptor, for 3 to 5 weeks. Capsaicin is typically sold in natural cream formulas, and targets acute pain problems such as arthritis, shingles, and neuropathy. Arthritis patients can experience significant natural pain relief after using topical capsaicin cream for a certain length of time. Migraine intensity has also been reported to decrease when patients apply capsaicin inside their nostrils.

Hydrotherapy: the effect of warm water

Warm water therapy or hydrotherapy is the use of water for natural pain relief. Exercising or soaking in a hot tub or a pool allows water to take the weight off painful joints, which then decreases pain and stiffness of the joints and muscles. The heat and movement can provide temporary relief and relaxation for many chronic pain symptoms.

Massage therapy: promoting blood circulation

Besides soothing those stiff muscles of yours, massage therapy is a great remedy that can reduce inflammationand swelling by stimulating the lymphatic system of the body. As blood circulation improves and toxins are flushed out from the system, pain decreases. There are different kinds of massage therapy, such as Thai massage, Swedish massage, and Chinese massage. Different techniques are used in these therapies to target specific medical problems which will provide natural chronic pain relief.

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Natural Cures for Shingles, Home Remedies and Treatment

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

Natural Cures for Shingles, Home Remedies and Treatment

Article by Nick Mutt







The disease which is caused by the reactivation of the herpes zoster virus is called Shingles. It is also known by the name of herpes zoster. It is a localized skin rash which is very painful. Usually there are blisters on the top of the reddish skin. It is similar to chickenpox and is also caused by the same virus.

The virus of the chickenpox becomes reactivated and result into shingles but what is the reason behind this reactivation is not sure. Some of the major conditions which accelerate the reactivation are fatigue, stress, HIV/AIDS, treatments of radiation, cancer, due to weak immune system and due to some injury in the skin where rashes occur.

Shingles can affect many parts of the body depending upon the involvement of the nerves.

1. Extreme sensitivity or pain is one of the main symptoms of shingles. Different types of sensation can be experienced by a person like burning, shooting, headache, fever, chills, itching etc. One should take immediate medical help if these symptoms appear on the face especially near the eyes.

2. After one or two days the rashes with red bumps and blisters erupts on the skin with full pain. First they are filled with pus and after they form scabs by 10-12 days.

3. After two -three weeks as the scabs fall off, the rash disappears but result into the scarring.

4. In some patients postherpetic neuralgia is developed in which even after the rash disappears the pain remain for a long time.

Some of the natural cures of shingles are also available –

1. Apple cider vinegar is very effective for shingles. Make use of apple cider vinegar, it will reduce the pain caused by shingles. Even apple cider vinegar can be applied directly on the affected area by dabbing it with a soft cloth and let it dry. Repeat this process as often as needed by you. It will help the blisters to heal more rapidly.

2. As vitamin C help to boost our immune system. So make a habit to intake vitamin C in large quantity that is in between 2000 to 4000 mg.

3. You can also get relief from pain by the intake of MSM. So take 1000 mg at least two times a day.

4. Make a paste by mixing a small quantity of cayenne pepper and aloe vera gel. Apply it to the affected area. You will get immediate relief from the pain of shingles.

Read useful Home Remedies for Shingles. Find information on Herbal Breast Enlargement Pills to increase cup size. Know how Vaginal Tightening Cream helps restore the shape of vagina.



About the Author

Nick Mutt

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How You Can Prevent Shingles

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

How You Can Prevent Shingles

Article by Mike Johns







Before a person can answer the above question, he or she must know the meaning of the word prevent. Simple yet comprehensive, it means to avoid. In relation to this, prevention normally consists of ways or activities which seek to lessen or deter certain or expected problems, save from harm the current state of well-being, or elevate desired outcomes or behaviors. In the health care field, disease prevention is a big concern among health care providers.

Prevention is one of four areas in the health care delivery system (promotion, prevention, restoration, and care of the dying). Moreover, there are three levels of prevention which are the primary, secondary, and tertiary level of prevention. Primary prevention is also termed as health promotion or health protection; it is preventing and/or delaying the actual occurrence of a certain disease which includes health education and vaccination.

Secondary prevention is also termed as early detection or prompt diagnosis; it is associated with early detection and treatment of a certain disease and includes consulting a concerned health care provider, physical examination, and/or annual checkup. Tertiary level of prevention is also termed as restoration and rehabilitation; it is the prevention of further complications of a detected problem, which includes rehabilitation, referral, and therapy.

Let us take shingles as an example of a specific disease. A person must avoid the etiologic agent of shingles, which is Varicella-zoster virus, as much as possible. But, it is a very small infectious agent that has the capacity to replicate inside the cell, which means that is too small to be seen by the naked eye. Moreover, it is also throughout out ecosystem. In other words, it is quite rare to thoroughly prevent it.

Second, shingles would not exist if the person has not experienced chickenpox previously, which means they must avoid getting infected by chickenpox. They can do so easily by means of avoiding or keeping distance from an infected person or by being vaccinated by a chickenpox vaccine, because without the occurrence of chickenpox there can be no existence of shingles.

Third is the shingles vaccine. There is a certain vaccine for shingles. Zostavax is the most commonly used vaccine for shingles. It is used for preventing the reactivation of the Varicella-zoster for those who had previous history of chickenpox.

The truth of the matter is, a person could not get shingles if he or she has no inactivated Varicella-zoster virus present in his or her body. Shingles vaccine is administered via a subcutaneous injection, usually in the upper arm, with only a single dose. This one-time dose could provide four years of immunity with the Varicella-zoster or herpes zoster virus.

The vaccine is commonly and usually recommended for those people who are 60 years of age or above but any age could actually avail of it. However, the vaccine is contraindicated to people with weak immune systems and pregnant women or women trying to conceive. The fourth method of protection is boosting the immune system. The immune system is the one responsible for protecting a person’s body from any form of microorganism that could harm and jeopardize one’s body.

As a matter of fact, a person who has a strong immune system does not get easily sick or ill. But, on the other hand, a person who has a weak immune system is expected to easily get sick, ill, and/or infected by any sort of pathogens.

Stress and unhealthy habits could contribute a lot to the immune system’s getting weak, which, in turn, leads to the possibility of triggering a shingles outbreak. Staying healthy can be achieved by having a regular exercise routine, eating healthy and nutritious foods, practicing a healthy lifestyle, and taking vitamins & minerals. Doing so can help the individual in boosting his or her immune system and keeping it strong at the same time.

A cure is good. Prevention is better. So how can a person prevent the occurrence of a problem or a disease? Know the methods or strategies to prevent such a disease or problem. In connection with this topic, if a person prevents the factors that can lead to him or her having shingles, all the better. This way, the risk of acquiring shingles is much lower. In summary, to prevent is to protect and the prevention of shingles can be initiated by having the vaccine and a strong immune system.



About the Author

Mike has been writing articles for nearly 4 years. He also writes about diet & nutrition. Come visit his latest website on calendula cream which gives people information on the calendula cream

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Natural Treatments for Shingles – Home Remedies and Cures

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

Natural Treatments for Shingles – Home Remedies and Cures

Article by Ryan Mutt







A viral infection which is caused by a virus varicella-zoster, the same virus which causes chicken pox is known as shingles. Any person, who had chicken pox, is not cleared completely from the body. It lives in the nervous system and after many years later the virus which had become dormant in the nerve tissue reactivates and result into shingles. Usually the person with weak immune system and between the age group of 60-80 years suffers from this problem. It is just like rash. The virus of shingles also reactivates due to emotional stress, immune deficiency like chemotherapy or AIDS, any person suffering from cancer. The exact cause in many cases is yet to be found but the person suffering from chickenpox is at higher risk. Medically shingle is termed as Herpes zoster.

Some of the important symptoms of shingles are severe burning pain, sensitive skin, rash with small blisters with red base. Usually it takes three to four weeks from start to finish but sometimes a person may feel pain occasionally even if the blister is present or not.

Shingles is contagious also. It can be spread from affected person to adults or children. But instead of developing shingles they develop chickenpox.

Besides giving natural treatments it is also necessary to consult physician as soon as possible in order to reduce the complications or shorten the infection if you think you are suffering from shingles. You must consult immediately some physician if rash appears near the area of eye because it may result into permanent or temporary loss of vision. Some of the natural treatments for shingles:

1. Pancreas produces proteolytic enzymes which are naturally produced and help in the digestion of protein we eat. These enzymes are also available in certain foods like pineapple, papaya and it is also available from animal pancreas. Supplements derived from these things are available in some grocery, drug stores, in health food stores and can be found online. There are some side effects also with these enzymes like digestive upset and allergic reactions.

2. The area affected by shingles must be kept clean and dry.

3. Pain caused due to shingles may be reduced by applying wet, cool compresses.

4. It is very necessary for the patient suffering from shingles to take plenty of rest.

5. Acupuncture is also very helpful to overcome from this problem of shingles.

6. Application of peppermint oil or geranium oil over the affected area regularly may reduce the problem of shingles.

Read useful Home Remedies for Shingles. Know about Nocturnal Emission Treatment to treat nightfall. Also get Natural Cure for Wet Dream, Spermatorrhea.



About the Author

Ryan Mutt

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The Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of Shingles

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

The Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of Shingles

Article by Hugh McInnes







Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, is a viral infection of the nerve roots that usually manifests as a rash or blisters on the skin. The rash may be accompanied by pain or numbness in the affected area. Although inconvenient and uncomfortable, shingles is treatable, although not preventable.

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus, in fact, the same virus that causes chicken pox, varicella zoster. In the case of those who have been previously exposed to chicken pox, the virus remains dormant in their nervous system even after they recover. When the virus is re-activated, by factors including disease, stress, aging, or some combination of the three, it travels up the nerve to affect the skin in the area of skin related to that nerve. Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles, even if they were infected and recovered years ago. Additionally, the blisters caused by shingles are full of the chicken pox virus, and can transmit it to other people. While most adults are immune to chicken pox, those who never had chicken pox, or those with weakened immune systems are at risk for catching chicken pox from those with shingles.

Symptoms of Shingles

Those with shingles may not immediately experience the characteristic shingles rash. Rather, they will experience an unusual sensitivity on one area of skin, which often is accompanied by tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation where the rash later appears. Some people experience flu like symptoms, including head aches, enlarged lymph nodes, and sensitivity to light. However, those affected will not have the fever that usually comes with the flu.

As the virus progresses, the rash appears on the sensitive area of skin, usually only on one side of the body, and in a band or strip formation. The rash consists of blisters that fill with fluid and then collapse before drying out and crusting over. The rash usually clears up in about two to four weeks, although residual pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia, can last for much longer, in some cases, years. However, this usually only occurs in those who experience shingles on their faces or chests.

Treatment for Shingles

Shingles is generally treated with a combination of antiviral medications, painkillers, and soothing lotions. The most commonly prescribed antiviral for shingles is aciclovir, as it reduces the length of the virus, and therefore the probability of complications. Generic painkillers such as paracetamol can help to manage the pain associated with the virus, and calamine lotion is used to reduce the itching. In more severe cases, the GP may prescribe stronger painkillers, or in the case of those with compromised immune systems, injections of antiviral antibodies. Additionally, the affected area is kept as clean and dry as possible, usually by covering it with a dressing.

Shingles generally resolves itself without serious complications, however, if it appears near the eyes, forehead or nose, the patient should seek out a GP or opthamologist, as shingles in this area can cause blindness. However, this is extremely unusual; the most common after effect of shingles is scarring, although this does not occur in the majority of cases.

Although generally not dangerous, those who think they may be affected with shingles should seek medical advice as soon as possible, in order to lower the risk of complications.



About the Author

Shingles is a very painful viral condition for which there are a number of natural therapies.

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Weighing The Benefits Of The Zostavax Shingles Vaccine

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

Weighing The Benefits Of The Zostavax Shingles Vaccine

Article by Matthew Cullen







When a person is exposed to the varicella zoster virus, it can remain latent in the body for many, many years. The Zostavax shingles vaccine was developed in 2006 to protect the body from a reactivation of chickenpox, which causes painful blistering and complications like brain swelling or the severe pain disorder known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). While some people still develop the condition, the vaccine weakens the virus so the symptoms are less severe or life-threatening.

Zostavax was licensed in 2006 and has undergone trials involving in excess of 20,000 individuals thus far. A single dose given by inoculation in the upper arm has been determined to reduce the danger of shingles by 50% as well as the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) by 67%. The few individuals who contracted the disease despite the drug normally experienced less pain and required less medication than those who weren’t inoculated.

The drug is believed to be quite safe. The only serious danger associated with it is for people who are allergic to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin. About one-third of people report redness, soreness or swelling at the point of injection. One in seventy people say they developed a headache directly following their vaccination.

People over the age of 60 are strongly urged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be vaccinated. However, as with any shot, the vaccine is not for everyone. Pregnant women, patients on certain types of drugs (steroids, Humira, Remicade, Enbrel, chemotherapy), those with allergies to gelatin or neomycin, and those with autoimmune diseases should not be vaccinated for the virus. Young children and adults under the age of 60 who have not had the chickenpox virus should be vaccinated for chickenpox, rather than shingles first.

Some patients wonder, “Can I pass the shingles virus onto others because of the vaccine? Is it contagious in the watered-down vaccine form?” Zostavax is made from a live, attenuated strain of the herpes zoster virus that causes shingles. In rare instances, people have developed a small skin reaction from the vaccine and transmitted the virus to another person. Pregnant women and children who haven’t been vaccinated for chickenpox may be at risk in this case. Therefore, it is generally recommended that patients avoid contact with these high risk candidates for 7-10 days after being vaccinated, if a reaction has developed. If there is no rash, then it’s not necessary to avoid contact with these people.



About the Author

Unfortunately there is no cure for shingles disease, which anyone who has ever had chicken pox is susceptible to. There is, however, a shingles disease vaccine that provides protection against this painful condition. It reduces the risk of contracting shingles by 50 percent.

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