What are shingles?

Shingles are caused by a similar virus which causes chickenpox infection. The dormant virus in the body from chickenpox can cause shingles. It lasts 2 to 4 weeks.

How do you get it? After you get chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in particular nerves in the body. Shingles occur after the virus gets activated again in these nerves years later.
The most common symptoms of shingles are - • Painful skin that turns into a rash
• Patches of red and painful blisters
• Rash usually occurs only on either side of the body
• Blisters which break open, then scab over
• Abdominal discomfort
• Fever, headache, chills
Shingles Vaccination will protect you against shingles and effectively decrease your risk of developing the condition. It is highly possible to develop shingles even if you have received the vaccine before. If this happens, the symptoms of shingles infection should be milder and pass away faster. A single dose of the vaccination is suggested for adults 60 years of age and older. But few people should not opt for shingles vaccine as they might have a life-threatening allergic reaction to the antibiotic, gelatin, neomycin, or any other element. Zostavax is a live Shingles vaccine given as a single injection, generally in the upper arm. Whereas there is a nonliving vaccine called Shingrix that is made of a virus component. It's administered in two doses, with 2 - 6 months between treatments. The Shingles Vaccination has effectively helped many individuals to keep shingles at bay. Shingles vaccination has been proven as the most effective method to reduce the risk of developing shingles and you can receive your vaccination at one of our clinics. READ MORE