What is herpes zoster, or shingles?
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate later in life. The risk of shingles increases with age and in people with weakened immunity.
Symptoms of shingles
Shingles usually begins with pain, burning, tingling, or itching in a specific area of the body, followed by a painful rash with blisters, most often on one side of the face or body. The rash usually crusts over within 7 to 10 days and heals completely within 2 to 4 weeks. Some patients may also experience fever, headache, chills, fatigue, or general weakness.
Common symptoms include:
burning or stabbing pain;
tingling or skin sensitivity;
painful rash with blisters;
itching;
fever;
headache;
fatigue or weakness.
This illness may also cause long-lasting nerve pain even after the rash has disappeared.
Why get vaccinated against shingles?
Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. The vaccine significantly lowers the likelihood of developing shingles and helps protect against severe complications, especially postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause prolonged nerve pain.
Two doses are required
The recommended shingles vaccine is administered in 2 doses. For adults aged 50 and older, the doses are usually given 2 to 6 months apart. In certain cases, people with weakened immunity may receive the second dose earlier, according to medical guidance.
Who is recommended to get vaccinated against shingles?
Vaccination is especially recommended for:
adults aged 50 and older;
people with weakened immune systems;
people with chronic illnesses;
people who have previously had chickenpox;
people who have already had shingles, since the disease can recur.
Possible complications
The most common complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia - long-lasting, sometimes severe nerve pain that may continue for months or even years after the rash has healed. Eye complications, vision problems, bacterial skin infection, scarring, and in rarer cases pneumonia or encephalitis may also occur. The risk of severe complications is higher in people with weakened immunity.
What should be considered before vaccination?
Before vaccination, it is important to inform medical staff about chronic illnesses, medications being taken, and allergies. Vaccination is usually postponed if a person has a moderate or severe acute illness, with or without fever. A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine is an important contraindication.
Advance appointment is mandatory.