Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones - Shingles Vaccination with ekincare

Frequently asked questions

: Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster or Nagin, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus is the same one responsible for causing chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remainssilent in our nerve tissues. However, with advancing age and age-related decline in immunity the virus can reactivate later in life (usually after 50 years of age), leading to shingles.,
: Here's how shingles is different from chickenpox:
Chickenpox is the initial infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It usually occurs in childhood and results in an itchy rash and flu-like symptoms.

Shingles, on the other hand, occurs when the dormant VZV reactivates at alater stage in life (when immunity starts to decline, usually after the age of 50 years ). The virus travels along the nerve pathways,
causing a painful rash usually on one side of the body or face.
: The most common symptoms of shingles include:
Shingles presents as a painful, blistering rash that typically appears in a band or strip on one side of the body. It is often accompanied by tingling (mostly before the rash occurs), burning, shootingor stabbing pain. The burning pain can occur upto 5 days before the rash appears.

The rash usually lasts for a few weeks and gradually crusts over before healing.

Shingles can also lead to complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (in up to 30% of the patients) where pain persists from anywhere between 90 days to years after the rash has healed.
Studies show that in 1 in 5 people, PHN lasts for more than 1 year.
: Shingles pain feels like burns from boiling water or electric shocks or nails piercing through the body. On the McGill Pain Scale, shingles pain has been found to be even more severe as compared tolabour pain.

This excruciating pain can last for weeks to months.
: Risk Factors for Developing Shingles:
The risk of developing shingles increases with age.

Older adults, typically those who are 50& above: As a person gets older, their immune system may weaken, making it less effective in preventing the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

People who have had chickenpox in the past:Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus is the same one responsible for causing chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues. However, in most cases, the virus can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles.

Those with weakened immune systems: Certain conditions like diabetes, HIV/AIDS, auto-immune disorders, cancer, etc. can lowerimmunity in those individuals or
those taking immunosuppressive medications, are also at increased risk of developing shingles.
: Shingles is typically diagnosed by healthcare professionals through a combination of the following:
Medical history: Asking the patient about their symptoms and any recent or past illnesses. They will inquire about the type of symptoms experienced, their duration, and whether the patient has had chickenpox in the past.

Physical examination: Conducting a thorough physical examination, focusing on the affected area. The rash is characterized by red, fluid-filled blisters that may be surrounded by inflamed/reddened skin.

Evaluation of current symptoms: Shingles is usually associated with pain or tingling in the affected area even before the rash appears. These symptoms will be evaluated to help confirm the diagnosis.

Laboratory tests (if needed): Laboratory tests may beordered to seeif the symptoms are atypical or if the patient has a weakened immune system. These tests may involve taking a sample from the rash to look for the presence of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes both chickenpox and shingles.
those taking immunosuppressive medications, are also at increased risk of developing shingles.
: Shingles typically manifests on a single side or in a specific region of the body due to the virus's tendency to travel along specific nerves. Consequently, it often appears as a band-shaped rash corresponding along the path of the affected nerve. The rash remainsrelatively localized and does not spread across the entire body.

Common areas for shingles outbreaks include the torso and the face.

: Shingles can lead to various potential complications including:
Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): PHN is a condition characterized by persistent, severe pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years after the rash has healed. It occurs due to nerve damage caused by the viral infection.

Vision Problems: If the shingles rash affects the area around the eye (Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus), it can lead to eye-related complications such as corneal damage, uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye), and even vision loss.

Neurological Complications: Shingles can involve the nerves of the face, ears, and head, leading to conditions Ramsay Hunt syndrome or RHS (facial paralysis) which can result in facial muscle weakness or paralysis and sometimes cause hearing loss and dizziness.

Bacterial Infections: The shingles rash can be open, allowing bacteria to enter the skin and cause secondary infections. Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, is a common complication of untreated shingles.

Disseminated Shingles: In people with weakened immune systems, the varicella-zoster virus can spread beyond the original site of the rash, leading to a widespread and severe infection known as disseminated shingles.
: Although shingles is not associated with mortality, it significantly impacts the quality of your life. Most patients having shingles cannot do their routine activities due to the severe pain they go through.

On the other hand, shingles can pose a risk of blindness if it affects the eye. In rare instances, shingles may lead to complications such as hearing problems, pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and in extreme cases, even death.
: There is no standard care procedure or treatment plan for shingles. Prescription drugs can reduce pain and lower the risk of complications. Most common line of treatment includes:
Antiviral Medications: Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within 72 hours (about 3 days) of the appearance of the rash. They work by blocking the replication of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles. By doing so, they can help reduce the severity and duration of the outbreak, as well as the risk of complications.

Supportive Care: In addition to antiviral medications, various measures can help manage the symptoms of shingles and promote healing. These may include:
Over-the-counter pain relievers to help alleviate discomfort. In some cases, stronger prescription pain medications may be necessary.

Topical creams to help soothe the rash and reduce itching.

Rest: Adequate rest can aid the body in fighting the infection and promote healing.

Cool Compresses: Applying cool, damp compresses to the affected area may provide relief.
: Some general tips for managing shingles symptoms include:
Maintaining good hygiene by keeping the rash clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection

Wearing loose-fitting clothing to prevent irritation and promote airflow around the affected area

Applying a cool compress multiple times, a day to help reduce discomfort and inflammation

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications to manage pain and discomfort

Eating a nutritious diet (foods high in zinc and vitamins A, B12, C, and E) to boost your immune system

Getting plenty of rest to support the body's healing process and boost the immune system

Avoiding scratching or picking at the rash to prevent further irritation

Keeping the affected area protected from excessive sunlight or extreme temperatures
: You can go back to work once you feel sufficiently recovered. The shingles rashes are no longer contagious once the rash has dried up and has formed scabs, which usually takes around 7 to 10 days from the initial appearance of the rash.
: Yes, shingles can be prevented with vaccination. There is a new and highly effective vaccine available in India now which can help prevent shingles.

: The shingles vaccine istypically administered intramuscularly as an injectionin the upper arm.
: The number of doses required for the shingles vaccine is 2 doses, given 2 months apart. The interval between the 1st& the 2nd dose can be between 2 to 6 months.
: Vaccination against shingles is crucial for preventing the disease and reducing its severity in those who still contract it.Importance of Vaccination:
Prevention of Shingles: The primary benefit of vaccination is preventing shingles in the first place. By stimulating the immune system against the varicella-zoster virus, the vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles.

Reduced Severity: In cases, where vaccinated individuals still develop shingles, the vaccine can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Vaccinated individuals are less likely to experience the intense pain associated with shingles and are less likely to suffer from complications.

Postherpetic Neuralgia Prevention: One of the most concerning complications of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash has healed. Vaccination has been found to be highly effective in reducing the risk of developing PHN in those who still contract shingles.

Protection for Immunocompromised Individuals: Vaccination is essential for individuals with compromised immune systems who are more susceptible to getting shingles. By reducing the risk of infection, the vaccine helps protect vulnerable populations.
: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health authorities generally recommend the shingles vaccine for the following groups:
90% of individuals who are above 50 years already have the varicella zoster virus in their body and are at risk of getting shingles.

Adults over 50 years of age: Shingles becomes more common with increasing age, so vaccination is particularly important for adults aged 50 and older.1 in 3 people above the age of 50 are at risk of developing shingles.

Individuals with a history of chickenpox: If you have had chickenpox in the past, you are at risk of developing shingles, and vaccination can help reduce this risk.

Individuals who have not had chickenpox but have received the chickenpox vaccine: People who have received the chickenpox vaccine are still at risk of developing shingles since they have been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of shingles in these individuals.

Individuals with a weakened immune system: If you have a compromised immune system due to certain medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, cancers, COPD, auto-immune disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA)& Lupus,or chronic kidney disease, or due to medications, getting vaccinated can be even more crucial to prevent severe shingles.

Individuals with diabetes: Diabetes weakens the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections and viruses, including the varicella-zoster virus responsible for causing shingles. Additionally, high blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can further impair the immune response and delay the healing process. Therefore, individuals with diabetes should discuss vaccination options with their healthcare provider.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate vaccination plan based on individual health status and risk factors.
: The shingles vaccine, also known as the herpes zoster vaccine, is generally safe and well-tolerated. Like any other vaccine, it can have side effects although they are typically mild to moderate and transient in nature.
Most Common Side Effects

Injection site reactions: This may include pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness at the site of injection. These reactions are usually mild and go away on their own within 2 to 3 days.

Headache: Some individuals may experience a mild headache after receiving the vaccine. This symptom is usually temporary and resolves without intervention.

Fatigue: Feeling tired or experiencing fatigue is a possible side effect, but it is usually short-lived.Less Commonly Experienced Side Effects

Muscle pain: Some people may have temporary muscle pain, typically in the arm where the vaccine was administered.

Fever: Low-grade fever may occur as a response to the vaccine. It is usually mild and transient.Severe side effects are rare. However, if they do occur, they can include allergic reactions (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or hives) or a rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).

It's important to note that the risk of these severe side effects is extremely low.
: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two doses of the shingles vaccine are over 90 percent effective inpreventing shingles.

Studies suggest that the protection with shingles vaccine lasts for at least 10 years after being vaccinated.
: The shingles vaccine should not be administered to:
A person with a history of severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to any component of the shingles vaccine.

A person currently experiencing an acute episode of herpes zoster. The shingles vaccine is not for treatment of herpes zoster or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The general guidance for any vaccine is to wait until the acute stage of the illness is over and symptoms abate.

Women who are pregnant
: Yes, even if you have had an episode of shingles earlier/in the past, you are still at a risk of getting shingles again. To prevent any future occurrences, you should consult a doctor and consider taking the vaccine.

: Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. While shingles itself is not directly contagious, a person with shingles can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to individuals who have not had chickenpox or have not received the chickenpox vaccine
The transmission of the virus occurs through direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters of the shingles rash.It is important to understand that shingles usually follows a pattern of development. It typically progresses with the following symptoms:

To start with, you may experience a tingling or burning sensation in your skin.

About 1 to 5 days later, a rash appears as small red spots.

Fluid-filled blisters develop a few days later.

After 7 to 10 days, the lesions crust over.

The rash disappears over the next 2 to 4 weeks.

The rash is non-contagious after the crust develops.
: Absolutely, it is possible to experience shingles more than once. Contrary to a popular misbelief, shingles is not a one-time occurrence disease. You can have multiple episodes of the condition. If you happen to contract shingles again, it is unlikely for the rash to appear in the same area/location as before.
: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chance of getting shingles above the age of 50 years is‘1 in 3individuals’.

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