Statistics show that one in three older persons will get Shingles.
The Shingrix vaccine, with its two-step process, affords 90% protection from this relatively common ailment. Nevertheless as a nurse, I have seen enough cases of the burning, tingling red rash with painful, draining blisters to encourage all:
Be Proactive and get the Shingles vaccine!
Shingles originate from the same virus as Chickenpox, varicella zoster virus (VRV). If you have had a case of Chickenpox as a child, consider yourself at risk for Shingles. The same virus may often resurface in your later years as Shingles. In addition, you could expose others to Chickenpox while experiencing Shingles. For example, a pregnant granddaughter is in jeopardy, who never had Chickenpox, or a person taking steroids and never vaccinated.
Healthy older people or those with a chronic disease should get the Shingles vaccine to protect them from the itchy, painful rash that develops sores on one side of the body. Often the first signs of Shingles are fever, headache, chills, or upset stomach. Avoid scratching the itchy rash and cover the sores with a bandage. Frequent hand washing helps stop the spread of inflammation. Usually, the wounds will scab over in seven to ten days and heal within two to four weeks.
See your doctor as soon as a rash appears!
Treatments for Shingles include antiviral medicines which reduce the length of the infection, Calamine lotion, or an oatmeal bath in lukewarm water to relieve pain and itchiness.
Contact your insurance provider about specific coverage to find out more about insurance coverage.
Published October 2022, Village Without Walls Newsletter
