SHINGLES

Shingles occurs most commonly in older age groups, and can cause severe pain. It's the reactivation of the virus which causes chickenpox in a person who has previously had chickenpox. After developing chickenpox, the virus lies dormant and can become reactivated later in life to cause shingles.

Shingles occurs mostly in people over 50 years of age. In most cases, it presents as a painful rash of small blisters which usually appears on one side of the face or body. In 80% of cases, there is an early phase which occurs 2 to 3 days before the rash occurs.

These early symptoms may be severe pain, itching and numbness around the affected areas. This may be accompanied by headache, sensitivity to bright light or a general feeling of being unwell. A blistery rash may follow which is often painful and lasts approximately 10-15 days.

Shingles can affect any part of the body but the rash typically appears as a band of blisters that wraps around the left or right side of the trunk of the body.

Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, a person with shingles can pass the varicella zoster virus to a person who has never had chickenpox or who has not had the chickenpox vaccine. In such cases, the person exposed to the virus may develop chickenpox but not shingles.

The virus is spread by direct contact with the fluid contained in the blisters, which can transfer to sheets and clothing. Until the blisters scab over, the person is infectious. If you have shingles, avoid contact with people who have a weakened immune system, newborns and pregnant women while you are contagious.

Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered. Vaccination is the best means of preventing shingles.

Zostavax is registered for use in people aged 50 years and over. It is recommended for adults aged 60 years and over who are not immunocompromised. Some people may experience a headache, fatigue or soreness around the site where the shot was given but this should resolve within a few days.

Zostavax is FREE FOR ALL ADULTS AGED 70 YEARS through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) - speak to your GP for details, eligibility and if the vaccine is right for you.

By: Susanne Sperber - Immunisation Coalition