With measles, mumps and other outbreaks making headlines, one local expert said we should set our sights on another adults-only ailment making a comeback:
Shingles.
“I just know I’ve seen a lot of it lately,” said Christina Leonard, MD, an infectious disease specialist at Spectrum Health. “Because of that, I certainly encourage the vaccinations. You see these cases, and they’re often preventable. People can be really devastated by shingles.”
Here are seven things Dr. Leonard believes you should know about the shingles:
1. Cases are on the rise
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one million people will get shingles this year, and one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime.
“The baby boomers are getting into their twilight years,” Dr. Leonard explained. “They were all people who didn’t get the (chickenpox) vaccine that were exposed to the virus. As you age, your immunity wears off.”
2. Blame it on chickenpox
Shingles are caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
According to the CDC, “after a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.”
3. Remember, shingles start with tingles
Shingles start with a tingling sensation, Dr. Leonard said.
“The onset is you get a tingling or an itching,” she said. “That’s usually one of the first symptoms. The rash doesn’t usually come on until later. If you have that tingling or itching, and see these little red spots, you should get to your doctor right away and get on antivirals. You want to get evaluated right away.”
4. It’s often more serious than chickenpox
“Pain. That’s the thing that really bothers people the most, the exquisite pain of this rash,” Dr. Leonard said. “You don’t think it can be that bad. You think, ‘Chicken pox wasn’t that bad.’ But the second time around can bring nasty, nasty pain. It’s really debilitating.”
5. It can leave long-lasting effects
Shingles sufferers run the risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia, which is the persistent nerve pain that lingers after you’ve had shingles.
“Most people don’t realize that this can stick around forever,” Dr. Leonard said.
6. Luckily, it doesn’t spread easily
“One of the other questions we get a lot is, ‘Am I contagious?’” Dr. Leonard said. “You can go to work. You just want to keep it covered. If you keep it covered, it’s not a big deal. If you’re around someone with a weak immune system, such as someone who’s pregnant, you should be extra cautious.”
7. There is a vaccine
Dr. Leonard said the shingles vaccine is often 100 percent covered by insurance, and recommended for anyone age 50 or older. It used to be age 60, but many younger people are getting shingles and the age was reduced by the CDC to 50.
“It gives you enough of a boost,” she said. “Even if you get the shingles vaccine, you can still get the shingles, but it decreases the severity and decreases the likelihood of long-term nerve pain.”
Yes I had shingles when I was 57 yr old at time didn’t know what was going on had it across my waist did get the shot thanks for the info
My 17 year old son had shingles and I have wondered if he should get the shot?
Hi Jody, so sorry to hear your son had shingles so very young. Unfortunately, despite the fact that many younger people are getting shingles, the CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for those who are 50 and older. I would definitely check with your son’s medical provider, however, as he/she will be able to offer the best advice, specific to your son’s medical history. Best wishes to you and your son.
Many of our readers have commented they are unable to find a shingles vaccine in their community. To help, we’ve found a shingles vaccine locator tool that is zip code specific. This may be of assistance: https://www.shingrix.com/shingles-vaccine-locator.html
Have you tried getting the new Vaccine? My wife ande I have been on a waiting list for 5 months.
Hi William, Yes, news outlets have reported a shortage of the shingles vaccine. To help, we’re sharing a shingles vaccine locator tool that is zip code specific. This may be of assistance: https://www.shingrix.com/shingles-vaccine-locator.html
Are there Spectrum sites that are giving the new shingles vaccine? I’ve spent lots of time contacting various doctor’s offices and no one has any vaccine. My insurance will not pay for it when administered through a pharmacy.
Hi Judy, Our best advice is to contact your primary care physician and ask them to inquire for you to determine where you can get one under insurance coverage. Best wishes to you. 🙂
I’ve been on waiting lists for months. Happened to be in Walmart picking up a prescription on Friday – They had received 70 doses on Monday and were already down to 20 doses. Got mine – now the trick is to get the 2nd dose in 2 months.
Unfortunately, the vaccine is not readily available. I keep calling pharmacies and they only get a few doses each month. They have been gone by the time I make it there. My PCP has recommended the vaccine and I would love to comply, but….
Hi Janis – It is a bit of a treasure hunt to find the shingles vaccine. You may want to try this link, which locates vaccines and is updated weekly, to perhaps find one in your area: https://www.shingrix.com/shingles-vaccine-locator.html
Best wishes to you!
I had chickpox as a child and had a light case of shingles at age 50. I am now 62 and live with RA. I take weekly Orencia injections. I struggle with decision to obtain the vaccine since it is a live vaccine and I would have to be off my Orencia several weeks before and after administration. Any thoughts?
Hi Anne, I’m thinking it might be wise to share your concerns with your doctor. She/he will be able to provide you with the best, most personalized, solution to meet your needs. Best wishes to you!
I was told the new shingles shot is NOT a live virus. Was that not true? I had the first shot several years ago. Then had the first of the two shots of the new vaccine, but after reading side effects have decided not to get the second one.
Hi Ann, We recommend you discuss your shingles concerns with your primary care team. They’ll be able to provide the best advice. Best wishes to you!
I had shingles when I was 12 years old, and I always wondered if I could get them again.
While it’s unlikely, medical literature says it is possible. Sometimes shingles appears twice or even three times.
Years ago my daughter had chicken pox when she was 6 weeks old. Then she had shingles when she was 3 years old. Lucky for her being so young she didn’t have the terrible side affects of itching & pain with either condition.
Oh no… shingles at 3? That’s horrible. So glad she didn’t/doesn’t have the most terrible of the side effects. Thanks again for sharing, and for being a Health Beat reader, Joyce!