Shingles (the disease)

[taylor111947]

I work for a Pharma company and I attended a seminar today that discussed shingles. I thought I'd share some of the things I learned since it is primarily an age-related disease. I'm not sure that this is the right forum to place this, feel free to move it.

Each year approximately 1 million Americans will develop shingles - mostly over 60, female and caucasian. By the age of 84 1 out of 2 people have experienced shingles.

Shingles is an infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have chickenpox, the virus can remain quietly in your body for years until it awakens and forms blisters on the skin. Note: it is not contagious! Although the symptoms may go away in a short period of time, if it is not treated quickly, after shingles pain or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) can occur. This type of pain is often described as burning, aching, itching and sharp. It may be felt in the area of the body where the previous shingles rash appeared, but it can also appear on other places. PHN pain can greatly impact quality of life - even taking a shower or getting dressed in the morning can be excruciating. PHN is one of the most common causes of pain-related suicides in the elderly.

The seminar stressed the need to talk to your medical provider if you think you might have shingles. Receiving medical treatment as soon as possible for shingles can lessen the time you have shingles and lower your risk for PHN.

For more information visit: www.aftershingles.com

[jebartle]

Thanks.....very informative!

[bkcunningham1]

taylor111947, thanks for the information. I have had shingles. I had it in my early 40s. My brother and sister both had shingles and, like me, both had it when they were in their early 40s.

My father's elderly sister lost her eyesight in one eye because of shingles on her face and neck.

Shingles isn't contagiious. But most importantly, if someone hasn't had chickenpox and they are exposed to shingles, they can develop chickenpox. When I had shingles I had to stay away from my Jazzercise class because of young children in a daycare and pregnant women. Chickenpox is very dangerous for pregnant women.

Also, there are antiviral drugs to help with the symptoms of shingles. These drugs are best if administered within 72 hours of the first blisters.

[Mikitv]

I remember my mother having Shingles when I was a kid. Very painful. When the vaccine first came out I got mine right away. Same for keeping up on our boosters as we get older.

[taylor111947]

taylor111947, thanks for the information. I have had shingles. I had it in my early 40s. My brother and sister both had shingles and, like me, both had it when they were in their early 40s.

My father's elderly sister lost her eyesight in one eye because of shingles on her face and neck.

Shingles isn't contagiious. But most importantly, if someone hasn't had chickenpox and they are exposed to shingles, they can develop chickenpox. When I had shingles I had to stay away from my Jazzercise class because of young children in a daycare and pregnant women. Chickenpox is very dangerous for pregnant women.

Also, there are antiviral drugs to help with the symptoms of shingles. These drugs are best if administered within 72 hours of the first blisters.

Thanks for the additional comments - I was trying to keep mine short, but I got carried away :) Getting the meds as soon as the symptoms appear is the critical thing to try and prevent PHN which can be worse than the shingles.

[cherylncliff]

There is a shingles vaccine that has been developed and is recommended (by the CDC) for those over 60. Here is a link you might find helpful - talk to your healthcare provider about this.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vac-faqs.htm

[JUREK]

There is a shingles vaccine that has been developed and is recommended (by the CDC) for those over 60. Here is a link you might find helpful - talk to your healthcare provider about this.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vac-faqs.htm

My wife developed shingles about one year ago. She was in great pain for almost 6 months. Even to this day she still has bad days. I took the vaccine soon as I heard of it . My doctor highly recommended everyone should take the vaccine once you hit 6o. Not cheap but I would highly recommend same.
:agree:

[Pturner]

I had Shingles, fortunately a mild case. I did get treatment right away. I emailed everyone in my golf league to find out if anyone was playing who did NOT have the chickenpox as a kid. If so, I was going to sit out. Turns out, every one of them had chickenpox as a kid. I had not realized it was that common, like measles.

One question I have is whether the vaccine is effective if you've already had shingles.

[bkcunningham1]

My understanding of the vaccine for people who have had shingles, P, is it helps prevent after shingles pain or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). I still have some pain just every so often. Not bad at all. The vaccine is only 51 percent effective. I don't know how effective it is for PHN.

[dwbevan]

I had shingles a few years ago. Thought it was back pain - the doctor even sent me for x-rays and was ready to send me for an MRI, but the rash broke out. I had the pain for about a month before the sores came out. Besides putting me on Valtrex immediately for the virus (it is a herpatic virus) he prescribed Cymbalta for the nerve pain. Seems that they have found it is not only for depression. It really worked but some strange side effects. I was worried that I would be depressed after stopping the Cymbalta, but all is well. The whole experience was not fun and knocked me for a loop for a good 6 months. I was told the vaccine could be given a year after no symptoms.

[The Great Fumar]

If you are over 60 and haven't had a SHINGLES shot , Then make arrangements to get one soon ...They are pricey but worth every penny........
One of many nasty side affects is NEUROPATHY......Not trying to frighten anyone but it is the one side effect you don't want to leave yourself open for.......You can lose your ability to walk ....It is a very real threat....I am not a Physician but I play one on the computer.......SO CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR AND SOON............

FUMAR DM,QR, HD, AFof L, CIO, oi812 etc,etc....

Forgive the humor for such a serious subject !!! ..:plane:

[pauld315]

There is a shingles vaccine that has been developed and is recommended (by the CDC) for those over 60. Here is a link you might find helpful - talk to your healthcare provider about this.

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vac-faqs.htm

Didn't know about this..thanks

[taylor111947]

Some more great comments.

Just a little clarification: The vaccine is for preventing shingles. PHN pain is a separate issue - occuring after an outbreak of shingles. The most effective treatment for that appears to be a prescription pain patch (Lidoderm is one). I focused on the PHN because many times it is more debilitating than the shingles. Also, many times it is not diagnosed right away since it can occur way after the shingles are gone and the link might not be easy to find.

[sandybill2]

We've been working for a while with our doctor's office--trying to get this Shingles vaccine. If you are a Medicare recipient, and have the Part D Rx Plan it is covered. Our problem is that my husband has Medicare primary-Aetna thru retirement as secondary and our drug plan is also through retirement (Caremark)and he does not have Part D. I have Aetna primary as I am not Medicare age yet. Took a while to get them to understand that we could not go to the pharmacy--pick up vaccine and bring to their office for injection. (They wanted us to do this as they have picked it up for patients who never came to office to get injection-) Our Aetna will pay for both our vaccines but they have to be billed through a physician's office--- They have placed an order for the vaccine but apparently they were told by the "vaccine company" that there is a shortage and that it won't be available until around Oct/Nov. It has been ordered and will be kept in the physician office freezer until we get there to receive it. My husband and I really want this injection---both his parents had shingles on face--near their eyes- Know of so many people who have agonized with this pain for years after having shingles. My mother also had them on chest--was there to pick her up to take her to Cardiologist when she showed me the blisters and I knew what she had.

[Russ_Boston]

Hi Sandy & Bill (note: still playing Ridder tomorrow despite Hurr. Earl!).

The med center I work at charges $173 if not covered by ins. And yes there is a current shortage for another month or so.

I suggest that everyone get the vaccine even if you must pay for it. You DON'T want shingles!

[Minnesotalyn]

I had shinges once too, can you get it a second time?

[Pturner]

Yes, you can get it repeatedly. Russ or anyone, do you recommend it for those under 60 who have had shingles before?

[Russ_Boston]

It has only been approved in the 60+ age group since that was the study group that was used. Yes you can get the vaccine if you've already had shingles. Under 60? Ask your provider.

Good info here: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vac-faqs.htm

[Skip2MySue]

I took a shower and noticed these red spots on my stomach but didn't have the slightest idea what they were. Didn't hurt or itch so I was pleased. I happened to mention to DW the latest body breakdown and she immediately called doctor for an appointment. Yup, I had them. Valtrex for 10 days which makes you nauseous and of course the fun started with the sensitivity. Taking a shower was almost torture with the water touching my skin. Because I'm on Coumadin I could only take Tylenol for pain which helped a little. It has now been 2 1/2 months and although the blisters are gone the discomfort still remains. Fortunately not to the level that it was in the beginning but now it's like a feeling of having a constant sunburn in certain areas and in one arm it's the feeling of it being asleep. Once I return to normal (soon I hope) I will definitely make plans to have the vaccination. It is well worth the expense for a little insurance against another bout.
Skip 2

[Minnesotalyn]

I had mine 8 years ago in my late 40's and no one mentioned a vacine back then, I hear about it now, so yea I'll make sure I ask about it too.

[Pturner]

The vaccine is fairly new. I don't think it's been around for eight years.

[Russ_Boston]

P - I think they meant the disease.

[tudacee]

I also had shingles in my 40's. Not an experience I'd want to repeat. I recently asked my doctor about getting the vaccine, but she said that because I'd already had the shingle virus, that it wouldn't be that effective for prevention. So, if you HAVEN'T had shingles get the vaccine!

:cryin2:

[graciegirl]

I am guessing that this vaccine acts like a booster shot because most of us have had the virus as chicken pox. Sweetie got shingles from our little grandson when he had chicken pox. Both are caused by Herpes Zoster and the medicine that you take after exposure is an antiviral to lessen the effects of the virus.

I am certainly glad you started this thread because you have reminded me that it is important and I have made it a priorty for us to be vaccinated. I am astonished at hearing so many people have had shingles.

I thought it was close to $300 a shot. They offer it at Krogers, our supermarket.

[Pturner]

I recently asked my doctor about getting the vaccine, but she said that because I'd already had the shingle virus, that it wouldn't be that effective for prevention.

Tudacee,
My doctor told me that it was unknown whether the vaccine would prevent shingles from returning if you had already had shingles. That's why I asked previously. I wonder if the question has been/ is being studied further. I'm sure all of us who have had it previously would love to prevent a repeat.

I'm with you, if you haven't had shingles, get the vaccine!