It’s more than likely that you have heard the saying: “The earlier kids get chickenpox, the better”. Whether this is true or not, the same can definitely not be said for the chickenpox’s painful counterpart shingles.
Shingles is a painful skin rash with blisters. It is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. In some people who have had chickenpox, the virus becomes active again later in life and causes shingles. About 1 out of 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime.
Shingles is more common in people over 50 years of age or in those with immune systems weakened by medication or disease.
Luckily, people over 50 can get vaccinated against shingles and only one dose is needed for protection.
If you are considering vaccination against shingles talk to your health care provider, especially if you;
• have had a life-threatening reaction to any component of the vaccine including gelatin or neomycin;
• have an immune system weakened by disease or medical treatment;
• have active, untreated tuberculosis; or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
