Let’s learn about shingles. It is also known as zoster or herpes zoster. It is caused by a reactivation of the varicella virus (chickenpox). Check out the photo on the previous post (Disease of the Week- # 11).

10% to 30% of people will develop shingles in their lifetime. It generally occurs as we get older because our immunity to the virus decreases as we age. Around 50% of people who live past the age of 85 will have shingles at some point in their life.

About 20% of people with shingles develop a complication caused postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This syndrome is characterized by chronic pain and discomfort in the area involved.

The goal of the vaccine is to prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).

The Shingles Prevention Study was a very good study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2005. The Zoster vaccination reduced the incidence of shingles by 51% and the incidence of PHN by 66%.

The vaccination, Zostavax, is the only vaccine available. It is licensed by Merck. It does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative). There are some people who should NOT receive this vaccine, so ask your doctor if it’s right for you.