In the past, when talking about shingles, we often thought it only occurred in the elderly group, especially those over 60 years old. However, nowadays, we can find shingles more frequently in the working-age group due to lifestyle and lack of rest, which weakens the body and allows the harmful virus hidden in the body to emerge and cause shingles.
When “Shingles” Occurs from Re-infection
Shingles is caused by infection with the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV). It is a “re-infection” in patients who have previously had chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus hides in the nerve ganglia of the body and remains dormant without any abnormal symptoms. However, when the body weakens, the hidden virus can cause shingles.
“Burning Pain on the Skin” – A Warning Sign of Shingles
The symptoms of shingles are quite clear. Patients with shingles will experience burning pain on the skin, followed by red rashes and clear blisters grouped along one side of the nerve pathway. After the blisters break, they become sores. Generally, the pain and sores heal within 2-4 weeks, but some patients may experience nerve pain for several months.
Incidence of Shingles
The number of shingles patients has clearly increased in those over 50 years old. It is found that one in three people over 60 years old will have shingles, and one in six of those over 60 with shingles will experience severe pain. This is because immunity starts to decline with age, reducing resistance, and chronic or underlying diseases weaken the body.
Complications That May Arise from Shingles
Burning pain on the skin lasting for several months even after the rash has completely healed occurs in about 10-30% of cases, more frequently and severely in the elderly. Shingles on the face may cause corneal ulcers and eye inflammation. Patients with immunodeficiency may develop severe complications from infections such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Those who have had shingles have about a 6.2% chance of recurrence.
Did You Know? Shingles Can Be Prevented by Vaccination
The shingles vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine recommended for people over 60 years old, given as a single subcutaneous injection. Currently, there is no need for a booster dose. It can be administered together with the influenza vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine at the same time. The vaccine can prevent shingles by about 51% in the elderly and reduce nerve pain symptoms.
Who “Should” Receive the Shingles Vaccine
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- Elderly people over 60 years old, whether they have had shingles or chickenpox before or not
- Adults aged 50-59 who have a history of chickenpox or shingles
Who “Should Avoid” Receiving the Shingles Vaccine
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- Those with a history of severe allergy to vaccine components such as gelatin or Neomycin
- Since it is a live attenuated vaccine, it is contraindicated in people with severe immunodeficiency, such as those receiving immunosuppressive drugs or high-dose steroids, or HIV infection with very low CD4 counts
- Pregnant women or those who may be pregnant
- If having a high fever or acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until recovery
- Those with mild cold symptoms without fever can receive the vaccine
Possible Side Effects After Receiving the Shingles Vaccine
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- May cause severe allergic reactions, but this is very rare
- Common reactions after vaccination include pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, which usually resolve within 1-2 days
- Other side effects may include low-grade fever and headache, which usually resolve within 1-2 days
Note :
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- Women receiving the vaccine should use contraception for at least 1 month after vaccination
- The shingles vaccine is not used to prevent chickenpox
- The shingles vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine; those in close contact with immunocompromised patients should consult a doctor before vaccination
- If in doubt, consult a doctor
