Shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, commonly referred to as chicken pox, affects approximately 1 million people each year in the United States. Recent studies indicate that about 1 in 3 individuals will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime, with the risk sharply increasing after the age of 50 and even higher risk after age 80.
The initial signs of shingles often manifest as localized pain, tingling, or itching along a specific dermatome—the area of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve. Patients may also experience fatigue, headaches, and low-grade fevers. A distinctive rash usually follows, typically confined to a single dermatome and notably does not cross the midline of the body.
To combat the rising prevalence of shingles, health experts strongly advocate for vaccination. The shingles vaccine offers substantial benefits, reducing the risk of developing the condition by over 90% in adults aged 50 and older. Furthermore, it significantly decreases the likelihood of experiencing postherpetic neuralgia, a type of nerve pain often deemed the most debilitating long-term aspect of shingles. Shingles on the face and around the eye is an emergency and needs to be treated immediately.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 and above, irrespective of any previous history of shingles or past vaccinations with a live herpes zoster vaccine. Additionally, the shingles vaccine is recommended for individuals over 19 who are either immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy to treat a disease. The vaccine is administered in 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart. It is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance, with little to no deductibles or copays in most cases.
With the ongoing increase in shingles cases among older adults, the importance of vaccination cannot be overstated. Prioritizing health and awareness may help to mitigate this painful condition affecting millions each year.
Dr. Jeremy Brandon is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.