A Shot of Prevention

An estimated 99% of people born in the United States before 1980 had chickenpox when they were children. One in three of those people are expected to develop shingles during their lifetime.

Ask anyone who has been stricken with shingles and they’ll most likely describe the pain it causes as “excruciating” and a discomfort unlike any other they have experienced. The condition frequently causes a painful, itchy or tingly blistering rash, usually on either the left or right side of the body. The rash and associated pain can endure for two to six weeks, on average, and can contribute to health complications including long-term nerve pain and vision loss.

Fortunately, a vaccine that can prevent shingles is available. The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine, or RZV) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults 50 years and older. Shingrix is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems.

Shingles is caused when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in the bodies, often decades later, according to the CDC. While most people who develop shingles only have it once during their lifetime, the condition can recur.

The risk of shingles and serious complications increases with age and is higher among people who have medical conditions that suppress the immune system. This includes people who take prescription drugs such as steroids or anti-rejection medications after an organ transplant.

People who have never had chickenpox or didn’t get the chickenpox vaccine can get infected with the virus that causes the disease from direct contact with fluid from shingles rash blisters or by breathing in airborne virus particles that come from the blisters. People who have had chicken pox or are vaccinated against the virus can’t be infected, according to the CDC.

To prevent spreading the virus to others who may be susceptible:

• Cover the rash
• Avoid touching or scratching the rash
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
• Until the rash scabs over, avoid contact with pregnant women who never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine; premature and low birth weight infants; and people with weakened immune systems.

Flu

The CDC recommends people 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.

Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, visits to doctor’s offices, and missed work and class time. It can also make symptoms less severe and reduce flu-related hospitalizations and deaths.

Flu vaccines available this season include:

• Injectable flu vaccines (shots)
• Live attenuated influenza vaccine given by nasal spray. The nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for some people, including those who are pregnant or who have certain medical conditions.