MediNurse, now in its fourth decade as the premier provider of private duty nursing in St. Louis, reminds the public that shingles is a condition which produces shooting pain, rash, headache, chills and upset stomach. Some people who get shingles have long-lasting nerve damage, leading to severe pain for weeks, months or years after the rash has cleared.
About 1 million Americans get shingles every year. It is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox.
If you have had chickenpox, the virus can remain in your body for many years and later return as shingles. Shingles can develop at any time, though the risk increases with age. About half of the people who get shingles are 60 or older. People with weakened immune systems due to chemotherapy or with conditions like HIV are also more likely to get shingles.
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There is hope to avoid shingles as you grow older – the shingles vaccination is recommended for people 60 and older, but is also approved for people as young as 50. Even if you believe you have never had chicken pox, you should still talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccine. Studies show that 99 percent of Americans over 40 have had chicken pox.
Unlike chicken pox, you can get shingles more than once. Getting vaccinated will lower your chances of getting it again. If you have shingles now, your doctor might recommend waiting for the rash to disappear before you get vaccinated. The vaccine cuts the chance of getting shingles by 51 percent, and reduces the risk of shingles-related nerve damage by 67 percent. Even if you do get shingles after being vaccinated, the vaccine could help you dodge the most serious complications.
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Some people should not get the shingles vaccine. If you are allergic to gelatin or neomycin (an antibiotic), or if you have a weakened immune system or are pregnant, be sure to discuss the vaccine with a healthcare provider.
MediNurse is St. Louis’ premier provider of private duty nursing services. MediNurse customizes services to the individual needs of the client or patient and loved ones to ensure the best care possible. For more information, call 314-781-2800 or visit www.medinurse.com.