People 50 and older are at a higher risk of developing the virus.
One in three is the frequently cited shingles statistic, meaning the virus will affect one-third of Americans. There are one million cases of shingles each year in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and those 50 and older are at a much higher risk of developing the disease.
For that reason, shingles vaccinations are a popular discussion topic, especially since a new vaccine was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration late last year. “The new vaccine is said to be 90 percent effective,” said Dr. Will Brown, a pharmacist with Seashore Discount Drug in Wilmington. Here are a few more things to know about shingles.
1. Blame the zoster virus.
The varicella zoster virus, or VZV, is the same one that causes chickenpox, according to the National Institutes of Health. In this case, though, shingles begins as a rash on one side of the face or body, which then blisters, and then scabs, before clearing (usually) in two to four weeks. Shingles is associated with a high degree of pain, as well as itching. People with shingles can also experience fever, headache, and an upset stomach.
A person with the rash can spread the disease through direct contact while the rash is in the blister phase, and should keep the affected area covered. More serious complications can also result from the disease, including severe, long-lasting nerve pain and an increased risk for vision loss and stroke.
2. Shingles is a particular worry for seniors.
“As you get older, the likelihood that you’ll get it goes up,” Dr. Brown said. “It’s because your immune system starts to wane.” The virus remains dormant in the body after people contract chickenpox as children, but a strong immune system can keep it from reappearing. Those who have a weakened immune system, due to age or other illnesses, are more likely to develop shingles.
3. Vaccines have been one way to prevent the disease.
For many years, the CDC recommended that those 60 years and older receive a single dose of the Zostavax vaccine, which is available by prescription. It provides a moderate level of protection that declines over time. After five years, the protection level is 35 percent. A panel from the CDC said the new vaccine now on the market, the two-dose Shingrix, has a higher level of protection that is maintained over three years.
4. The new vaccine may be the right choice for a number of people.
“According to the CDC, they are recommending it for everyone 50 and older,” Dr. Brown said. The CDC and the FDA also recommend Shingrix for those who already received the other shingles vaccine. And, even though it is available at a higher cost depending on coverage and insurance, the organizations say it is now the preferred vaccine.
5. There are also medicines for those experiencing a shingles rash.
“There are treatments for the flare ups,” Dr. Brown said. Usually, these are antiviral drugs that help combat the painful after-effects of shingles. Other treatments include steroids, antidepressants, and topical agents, according to the NIH.