| Lately, I've had many patients ask me about shingles. | | | | Shingles. It works by helping your immune system |
| How do you get shingles? What are the symptoms? | | | | protect you from getting Shingles, the associated |
| Is there a cure? | | | | pain and other serious complications. If you do get |
| As a Dermatologist, I thought I should provide a little | | | | shingles, even though you have been vaccinated, |
| information about shingles and let everyone know | | | | Zostavax may help prevent the nerve pain that can |
| there is a vaccine available. | | | | follow shingles in some people. |
| What is Shingles? | | | | Anyone 60 years of age or older should consider the |
| Shingles, also called Zoster, is caused by the Varisell | | | | vaccination. |
| Zoster Virus. This is the same virus that causes | | | | You should not receive the Shingles Vaccine |
| Chickenpox. It is a painful skin rash, often with | | | | (Zostavax) if you: |
| blisters. The rash usually appears on one side of the | | | | Are allergic to gelatin or neomycin |
| body and can last 2 to 4 weeks. Its main symptom is | | | | Have a disease or condition that causes a weakened |
| pain, which can be quite severe. Sometimes the pain | | | | immune system |
| continues after the rash goes away. This is called | | | | Have active TB (tuberculosis) that is not being |
| post-herpetic neuralgia. | | | | treated |
| Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes | | | | Are pregnant or may be pregnant |
| chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the | | | | Zostavax is given as a single dose injection usually in |
| virus can live, but remain inactive, in your body. If it | | | | the upper arm. Common side effects are: |
| becomes active again, usually later in life, it can cause | | | | Redness, pain, tenderness, itching and swelling at the |
| Shingles. There is no way to predict if you'll get | | | | site of injection |
| shingles. What's more, the inactive virus usually has | | | | Headache |
| no signs or symptoms. So, Shingles can appear at | | | | Ask us about the Shingles Vaccine During Your Next |
| any time without warning. | | | | Exam!!! |
| Zostavax is the First and Only Vaccine to Help | | | | I highly recommend that you ask your Dermatologist |
| Prevent Shingles. Zostavax is a vaccine that is used | | | | whether or not this vaccine is right for you. |
| for adults 60 years of age or older to prevent | | | | |