Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Shingles can occur anywhere on the body, but most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of the torso. Sometimes the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face. Shingles isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it is very painful.

Symptoms of shingles may include:

…pain, burning, numbness or tingling

…sensitivity to touch

…a red rash that begins a few days after the pain

…fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over

…itching

Some people also experience fever, headache, fatigue and sensitivity to light.  Pain, which can be intense, is usually the first symptom of shingles.

Anyone who has had chickenpox may develop shingles. People of all ages are susceptible, but the risk of shingles increases as you get older. About half of all cases occur in men and women 60 years of age and older. Some people are more at risk of developing shingles. These include:

…people who have a disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and

cancer

…people who are getting radiation or chemotherapy treatments.

…people who are receiving immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids and drugs that are

given after an organ transplant.

There is no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce the risk of complications. There is a vaccine for shingles. Getting the vaccine does not guarantee you won’t get shingles, but having the vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease. The zoster (shingles) vaccine is recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for adults 60 years of age and older. The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department has a limited number of doses of the shingles vaccine available. This vaccine is state supplied vaccine that is available to adults who do not have any insurance. There is a $15.00 administration fee charged for the vaccine. For questions about shingles or the shingles vaccine please call the Brownwood/Brown County Health Department at 325-646-0554. Information can also be accessed at the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.