Shingles is a painful, blistering skin rash that affects nearly one in three Americans, and up to 99% of people over 50 are at risk for it.
Suzanne Cantley, DSN, CRNP, a family medicine provider at UAB Medicine St. Vincent’s Primary Care Trussville, answers common questions about shingles, risk factors, and the vaccine that can prevent it.
What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system, but it can reactivate years later as shingles.
“The troublesome part about shingles is that the virus attacks the nerve endings under your skin,” Cantley said. “That’s what causes the severe pain associated with the condition.”
Shingles begins with a rash, but nerve pain can linger for weeks, months, or even years in some people, she explains. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia, and it’s one of the worst complications of shingles.
Who’s most at risk?
Anyone who’s had chickenpox is at risk of shingles. The chickenpox vaccine wasn’t approved until 1995, so most people over 50 likely had chickenpox as children, making them especially vulnerable.
“If you’re unsure whether you had chickenpox, chances are you were exposed,” Cantley said. “Roughly 99% of people over 50 have.”
Is there a way to prevent it?
Thankfully, yes, and it’s highly effective. “The shingles vaccine has been available for about 20 years,” Cantley said. “It’s a two-dose series, with the second shot about six months after the first dose. When you complete the series, it’s over 90% effective at preventing shingles.”
This vaccine is recommended for everyone age 50 and up, even if they don’t remember having chickenpox. It’s also recommended for certain people over age 19 who have issues with their immune system.
What if I already have shingles?
There’s no cure for shingles, but early treatment can reduce symptoms and make them go away faster. “If you start having symptoms, you should begin antiviral medications within 72 hours,” Cantley said. “The medication won’t cure shingles, but it may help ease the symptoms.”
Should I get the vaccine?
Shingles can affect anyone who’s had chickenpox, and the older you get, the higher your risk. Ask your health care provider about the shingles vaccine, especially if you’re over age 50.