Got Shingles Vaccine Yesterday

I have changed local medical providers and had my first visit yesterday. Really nice young Nurse Practicioner. Took his time, went through all of my records and got everything up to date. One thing that has been on my mind for quite some time is getting a shingles vaccine. A couple of folks at work have had it and it's nasty with a capital N. He wrote me a prescription and I went down to our local Walgreen's and got it filled. The pharmacist gave the shot and said I might experience a rash and possible mild flu symptoms. So far, no problem

I had chicken pox as a kid and am 65 years old.....a prime candidate for shingles. I got home and read the handout from the pharmacy and it said the vaccine is only 50% effective. Hopefully I'll be one of those 50%.

Kajun

 

@TXKajun Get 2 shots....then you'll be 100% covered!

I should laugh....I'm of that approximate vintage, and have had chicken pox as a child.

 

My wife had it about 10 years ago. You're right. Shingles is nasty. She had quarter sized blisters from her spine all the way around to the front of her belly, both sides. Apparently it follows a nerve.

I too am a prime candidate.

 

I don't understand. So, if you had chicken pox as a child you are more acceptable to Shingles? I have heard of Shingles but thought it was a childhood disease. Guess I better look it up. I don't know why in this damn country I have to have a $200 doctor visit to be able to purchase a simple vaccine from the drugstore. We are looney-tunes in this country.

 

If you have contracted chickenpox (herpes zoster) as a child, the virus stays dormant in the body, and can, under some circumstances be reactivated much later in adult life.(much the same as herpes simplex virus (different bug to HZV) can be reactivated much later, after the initial symptoms of infection disappear).

https://www.ok.gov/health2/documents/IMM_Adults_Shingles_Facts.pdf

 

Google search this and click images
shingles photos

 

Errrrrr....Yech! Note to self: request Shingles vaccination during next appointment with doctor.

 

presentation can vary from quite mild to quite severe.

The Varicella / Herpes Zoster virus is infectious, but only by physical contact with the weeping lesions, before they have formed a dry scab. Infection control measures should be taken by those providing treatment, and anyone else who may be at risk of infection, particularly infants and pregnant women.

How Contagious Is Shingles?

 

@Bandit99 it has to do with your immunity. As you get older your immunity is not as strong as it was. Also stress can be a factor in the shingles appearing. People with compromised systems etc...

What I wonder about is all these kids that got the chicken pox shot that does not last forever, what will they be contracting in the future, chicken pox or shingles. Both are nasty.

 

Most all kids in my area got chicken pox but never really saw Shingles which is why I am naïve about it. I do remember my Grandma threaten me with it if I didn't wash correctly or etc...

 

Never had the shingles but have had older friends develop it and they were absolutely miserable.

My plan is to make sure I get that shot before 50 and hopefully never get to try my pain tolerance with those pains.

 

It's my understanding they are the same virus. Kids don't get shingles, adults do.

When I was a kid our parents would do party's with friends when one of us got the chicken pox so all the kids could get it.

I think it just manifests differently in adults and is more painful.

 

I suspect fibs like that kept many a grubby young urchin, relatively clean....if paranoid about shingles for the rest of their lives.

 

Well, "One picture is worth a thousand words" and @AD1 convinced me completely. I will be getting it. And, in fact, I will see if I can just get it without having to go to the doctor. Will ask Pharmacy today.

 

Same virus with the same scientific name...Varicella / Herpes Zoster, for both youngens and oldsters.....just that the common name given to juveniles who contract it is chicken pox, and the common name given to the infection in adults is "Shingles". Both are infectious by physical contact....

I don't think that geriatric adults will be holding any HZV parties....medically administered inoculation is the way to go for the oldsters.

 

One thing I wonder is that the vaccination is only 50% effective but does it also relieve the severity if you are one of the unlucky?

 

All anyone would want to know about shingles.....from the CDC How Contagious Is Shingles?

Clinical trials indicate a reduced incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia by 67%, but like the overall incidence of Herpes Zoster, may attenuate with age for people older than 69 years. HZV Inoculation boosters may be advisable after 5 years.

The best course of action is to seek competent medical advice from an appropriately qualified health professional...I know...I know...It's the nanny in me...but am just covering my, and SM's collective butts.

 

As you age you are likely to get it if you had chicken pox as a child. The better your immunity and health the less lily the virus is to activate and yes it does follow nerves. I had a friend had it all over one side of his face, extremely painful and in his case it hospitalized him. it's not that severe for everyone but there are antivirals to make the healing time less. Competent medical advice is a good thing in stations like this

 

It's a difficult, but very necessary self discipline. Hand hygiene is very important.