Vaccine to Prevent Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Shingles Is a Skin Disease That Should Not Be Taken Lightly

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a skin disease that can significantly affect the quality of life of those who experience it. It is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, known as the varicella-zoster virus. Once a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus does not completely disappear but remains dormant in the body's nervous system. Shingles can reappear when the immune system weakens, leading to extremely painful rashes. In addition to the rash, shingles can also cause persistent pain in the form of postherpetic neuralgia.

Gleneagles Hospitals is committed to providing information and vaccines that can help prevent shingles and reduce the risk of serious complications faced by patients.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Developing Shingles

Although shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Understanding these risk factors is the first step in taking appropriate preventive measures.

Aging:

The risk of getting shingles increases with age. Individuals aged 50 and above are at higher risk of developing shingles. This is because, as people age, their immune system weakens and becomes less capable of fighting the virus that has remained in the body for a long time (Shingles, 2021).

Certain Medical Conditions:

Individuals with conditions such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or those undergoing immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments are also at high risk. These diseases and treatments weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to viral infections such as herpes zoster.

Stress:

Prolonged emotional or physical stress can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. Stress can weaken the body, creating an opportunity for shingles to develop. People experiencing chronic stress, such as high workloads or personal pressures, are more likely to develop shingles (Schmidt et al., 2021).

The Importance of the Shingles Vaccine for Prevention

The herpes zoster vaccine is a highly recommended preventive measure by medical experts, especially for individuals at high risk. Preventing shingles is better than treating it, and this vaccine plays a crucial role in reducing the incidence of the disease.

Preventing Infection:

The herpes zoster vaccine helps strengthen the immune system to fight the varicella-zoster virus, which can cause shingles. It enhances the body's resistance to infection and significantly reduces the overall risk of developing shingles.

Reducing Side Effects:

While the vaccine does not guarantee complete immunity against shingles, it has been proven to reduce pain and minimise complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. This is a persistent pain that can occur even after the shingles rash has healed.

Statistics Show Effectiveness:

Recent studies indicate that the herpes zoster vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles by more than 50%. In Malaysia, the number of people receiving this vaccine is increasing due to growing awareness of its importance in preventing this disease. With this data, the herpes zoster vaccine is seen as a highly effective measure in preventing the adverse effects of shingles.

The Herpes Zoster Vaccine Provides Long-Term Protection

The herpes zoster vaccine not only helps prevent shingles infections but also offers long-term protection for individuals at risk. At Gleneagles Hospitals, we understand the importance of safeguarding your health with the right preventive measures. This vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 50 and above, as well as those with specific risk factors.

By getting the herpes zoster vaccine, individuals can reduce their chances of contracting shingles and lessen painful symptoms if exposed to the virus. Additionally, this vaccine helps improve the quality of life for cancer patients or those with immune system disorders. For those concerned about vaccine side effects, it is safe for most people, and side effects such as redness or mild pain at the injection site are usually temporary. (CDC, 2023)

Frequently Asked Questions About Shingles and the Herpes Zoster Vaccine

1. What are the early symptoms of shingles?

Early symptoms of shingles include pain, numbness, or a burning sensation on one side of the body, followed by a red rash that appears a few days later. This rash typically develops into fluid-filled blisters before drying up and peeling off.

2. Should I get the shingles vaccine even if I have had chickenpox?

Yes, even if someone has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. The herpes zoster vaccine helps prevent the virus from reactivating as shingles, especially when the immune system weakens.

3. Can healthy individuals receive the shingles vaccine?

Yes, this vaccine is highly recommended for healthy individuals, especially those aged 50 and above or those with specific risk factors. However, individuals with serious health conditions should consult their doctor beforehand.

4. Does the shingles vaccine have side effects?

The side effects of the herpes zoster vaccine are mild and rare. Some people may experience redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. However, these side effects typically resolve within a few days.

5. How long does the shingles vaccine provide protection?

The herpes zoster vaccine provides long-term protection, but its effectiveness may decrease over time. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor about booster shots after several years.

Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Do not wait until it is too late to protect yourself from shingles. If you are aged 50 and above or have certain risk factors, the herpes zoster vaccine is a crucial preventive step. Register today to get the herpes zoster vaccine at Gleneagles Hospitals, a trusted provider of quality healthcare. Contact us now and make this preventive measure part of your journey toward a healthier, shingles-free future! You may also book an appointment via our website or download our My Health 360 application ( which can be obtained at Google Play Store).

Reference

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2023). Shingles (Herpes Zoster). Retrieved fromhttps://www.cdc.gov/shingles

Schmidt, S. A. J., Sørensen, H. T., Langan, S. M., & Vestergaard, M. (2021). Perceived psychological stress and risk of herpes zoster: a nationwide population‐based cohort study. British Journal of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.19832

Shingles. (2021). National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles/shingles