Zona, a Fatality? New 90% Effective Vaccine
- For those who have experienced shingles, the memory of the pain often lingers.
- "As we age, our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible to shingles," explains Dr.
- clodie, a septuagenarian from Biarritz, recently experienced this firsthand.
Shingles: Understanding the Pain, Treatment, and Prevention
Table of Contents
- Shingles: Understanding the Pain, Treatment, and Prevention
- Shingles: Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding,Treating,and Preventing the Pain
- What is Shingles, and what Causes It?
- Who is at Risk of Getting Shingles?
- What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
- How does Shingles Progress?
- What Are the Treatment Options for Shingles?
- can Shingles Be Prevented?
- What is the Shingles Vaccine?
- Is the Shingles Vaccine Effective?
- Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
- what is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)?
- How Can You Improve Vaccination Coverage of Seniors?
- Where Can I Find More Information About Shingles?
For those who have experienced shingles, the memory of the pain often lingers. The risk of recurrence remains a concern because this viral infection stems from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Reactivation can occur when the immune system is compromised by meaningful stress, such as bereavement, divorce, relocation, job loss, illness, medical treatments, or simply advancing age.
“As we age, our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible to shingles,” explains Dr. Charles Cazanave, an infectious disease specialist at Bordeaux University Hospital. women, notably those over 50, and even more so after 70, are disproportionately affected.
clodie, a septuagenarian from Biarritz, recently experienced this firsthand. “Following two close family deaths, I was under intense emotional strain. One morning, I woke up with a burning sensation on one side of my back, and I knew immediately what it was.”
European vaccination week: How to improve vaccination coverage of seniors?
“At night,it was excruciating; the burning sensation made contact with the sheets unbearable,” says Clodie.
Her initial reaction was to consult friends who had previously battled shingles.”They recommended a conventional healer, and I went immediately.after some initial advancement, the characteristic rash confirmed the diagnosis. However, the relief was short-lived. “I felt better initially, but the nights were unbearable. The burning pain made sleep unfeasible. I tried everything – consulting a doctor, taking painkillers, applying hot and cold compresses – but weeks passed with no relief. My morale plummeted, and I felt trapped.” She sought various option treatments, but it took two months for the shingles to subside.
symptoms and Progression
“Shingles typically presents with a rash along a nerve pathway, usually on one side of the torso,” explains Dr. Cazanave. While the torso is most commonly affected, the rash can also appear on the thigh. Ophthalmic shingles, affecting the eye, is less common but more serious, potentially leading to blindness if left untreated.
After the rash appears, it develops into crusts within ten days, eventually fading into a mark. The initial pain is frequently enough described as a burning sensation, which can evolve into persistent neuropathic pain, unresponsive to standard analgesics. In such cases, doctors may prescribe antidepressants or antiepileptic drugs to manage the pain.
Interestingly, some doctors may suggest consulting a traditional healer. “I can attest that doctors, regarding shingles, do not oppose these alternative practices, which can help some to calm the pain,” says Dr. cazanave. “Sometimes it turns out to be effective, even though we don’t really know why. Medicine does not explain the analgesic effect of these non -scientific actions, as for burns elsewhere. Maybe it is indeed a placebo effect?” Though, the primary treatment, if administered within 72 hours of the onset of pain, involves antiviral medication. vaccination remains the most effective preventative measure for vulnerable and elderly individuals.
Vaccination Recommendations
The High Authority for Health (HAS) has recommended a vaccination strategy against shingles since March 2024. While Zostavax has been available since 2013, Shingrix is now considered more effective and reliable.
clinical trials indicate that Shingrix is highly effective in preventing shingles. A study published by the AAFP found that the recombinant zoster vaccine prevents shingles in 96% of persons 50 to 59 years of age, 97% of persons 60 to 69 years of age, and 91% of persons 70 years and older for at least three years.
Shingles: Your Comprehensive Guide to Understanding,Treating,and Preventing the Pain
Shingles,or herpes zoster,is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV),the same virus that causes chickenpox. This article provides an in-depth overview of shingles, addressing its causes, symptoms, available treatments, and, importantly, how to prevent it.
What is Shingles, and what Causes It?
Shingles is a painful skin rash that typically appears as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body.It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which stays dormant in your body after a chickenpox infection.
When your immune system weakens, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles. Factors that may trigger reactivation include:
- Age (immune system weakens with age)
- Stress (bereavement, divorce, job loss, relocation)
- Medical treatments (e.g., those that suppress the immune system)
- Illness (serious conditions can weaken the immune system)
Who is at Risk of Getting Shingles?
anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. However, some people are at a higher risk. Dr. Charles Cazanave, an infectious disease specialist, notes that “as we age, our immune system weakens, making us more susceptible to shingles.” Notably, women over 50, and especially those over 70, are disproportionately affected by shingles.
What are the Symptoms of Shingles?
Shingles typically presents with a painful rash that develops on one side of the body. “Shingles typically presents with a rash along a nerve pathway, usually on one side of the torso,” explains Dr. Cazanave. Although the torso (trunk) is the most common location, the rash can also appear on a thigh. Ophthalmic shingles, affecting the eye, is less common but can lead to blindness if left untreated.
Common symptoms include:
- A painful, burning sensation
- A rash that appears as blisters
- Fever and fatigue (in certain specific cases)
- Sensitivity to touch
How does Shingles Progress?
the progression of shingles typically involves several stages:
- Initial Pain: Frequently enough described as a burning sensation, tingling, itching or stabbing pain.
- Rash Progress: A rash of small, fluid-filled blisters appears, usually following a nerve pathway.
- Blistering: The blisters break open and crust over
- Crusting: the blisters dry out and crust over within about ten days.
- Pain: The initial pain can evolve into persistent neuropathic pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This is pain that lasts three months or more after the rash has cleared.
“At night, it was excruciating; the burning sensation made contact with the sheets unbearable,” says Clodie, a septuagenarian who experienced shingles.
What Are the Treatment Options for Shingles?
The primary treatment for shingles involves antiviral medications. These drugs are most effective when administered within 72 hours of the onset of pain. They help to reduce the severity and the duration of shingles and lessen the risk of complications.
additional treatment options may include:
- Antiviral medications: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are commonly prescribed.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers or, in severe cases, prescription pain medication.
- Antidepressants and Antiepileptic Drugs: These can help manage long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
- topical treatments: Calamine lotion or cool compresses to soothe the rash and reduce itching.
- Consider Option pain Relief: Dr. Cazanave even suggests that alternative medicine may help with pain management.
can Shingles Be Prevented?
Yes, shingles can be prevented through vaccination. Vaccination is the most effective preventative measure for vulnerable and elderly individuals.
What is the Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is designed to prevent shingles and reduce the severity of the illness if you do get it. The High Authority for Health (HAS) has recommended a vaccination strategy against shingles as March 2024. Shingrix is now considered more effective and reliable than Zostavax, which was available earlier.
Is the Shingles Vaccine Effective?
Yes, studies have shown that Shingrix is highly effective in preventing shingles. Clinical trials indicate that Shingrix is highly effective in preventing shingles.according to a study published by the AAFP, the recombinant zoster vaccine prevents shingles in 96% of persons 50 to 59 years of age, 97% of persons 60 to 69 years of age, and 91% of persons 70 years and older for at least three years.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
The CDC recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of the Shingrix vaccine. Even if you’ve had shingles before, you should still get the vaccine to help prevent future occurrences. Those older than 19 can get the shot if they are or will be immuncompromised.
what is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)?
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles. It’s defined as chronic pain that persists for more than three months after the shingles rash has healed. The pain can be severe and debilitating.
PHN can cause:
- Constant pain
- Burning sensations
- Sensitivity to touch
- Itching
Pain is ofen treated with medicines such as antidepressants and antiepileptic drugs.
How Can You Improve Vaccination Coverage of Seniors?
European Vaccination Week, observed from April 27th to May 3rd, 2025, focuses on senior vaccination. Increasing acceptance of vaccination among seniors can be achieved by:
- Education: Provide clear and concise data about the benefits and safety of vaccines.
- Accessibility: Make vaccines easily accessible through pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and mobile clinics.
- addressing concerns: Communicate openly about vaccine concerns, and combat misinformation.
- Community Engagement: Encourage local community leaders to promote the importance of vaccination.
While a France Public Health Barometer indicates that 83.7% of respondents favor vaccination, acceptance has slightly decreased among older adults.
Where Can I Find More Information About Shingles?
For more information, you can consult your doctor, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).