SHINGLES & CHICKENPOX: WHAT'S THE LINK?

Research begun in the 1950s has shown that when we recover from childhood chickenpox infections, the virus that causes the infection, varicella zoster virus, remains latent in nerve cells. What causes reactivation of the virus is unclear, but as we age, experts believe the immune responses that keep varicella zoster virus dormant in the nerves weaken with age. One in three people will get shingles during their lifetime, and at least half of all people 85 and older have had the ailment.

When you get the shingles rash, it typically involves a particular "dermatome," that is, the skin area supplied by the involved nerve usually one one side of the body or face. However, in some cases the shingles rash can be widespread. Before the rash appears, people may have nerve symptoms of pain, itching, burning, or tingling. The rash has blisters that scab over in about a week. Although shingles isn't contagious, the virus can spread to others and can cause chickenpox.

Antiviral drugs can be used to lessen the severity and duration of shingles, but effectiveness is dependent on usin git as soon as possible. Pain medicines and other remedies may be used to help treat symptoms.

Up to one in five people who get shingles suffer from postherpetic neuralgia, usually defined as a zoster-related pain that occurs in the area of the shingles rash even after the rash is gone. It can last for a few weeks, months, or longer. The older you are when you have zoster, the more at risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.

The has approved a shingles vaccine as a one-time dose for people 50 and over. As noted, the rate of shingles increases with age.

What if you have never had chickenpox or have already had a case of shingles? You should still get vaccinated because studies show that nearly all adults 40 years and older have had chickenpox whether they remember having it or not. Also, if you've already had shingles, the vaccine can help protect against recurrence.

The vaccine is not safe for all people. People who should NOT get the vaccine include:

1. People who have ever had a life-threatening reaction to or are severely allergic to gelatin, neomycin, or any component of the shingles vaccine.

2. People with a weakened immune system from certain medical conditions or treatments.

3. Pregnant women or those who may be pregnant.

The most common side effects reported with getting the vaccine include redness, soreness, swelling or itching at the injection site, and headache. Some people may develop a rash at the injection site that looks like chickenpox.

www.webmd.com