(zoster, vaccine live, attenuated [Oka/Merck], refrigerator-stable)
Shingles has been described as excruciating, intense, potentially debilitating, with nerve pain that can last for months or even years.
The only shingles vaccine that’s given as a single shot.
Learn more about insurance coverage for single‑shot ZOSTAVAX® II
See our resources section for more information on shingles, its causes, who is at risk and vaccination.
Have a question? Check out the FAQ section below for the answers to the most asked-about topics.
Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can last several weeks. For some, the pain from shingles can last for months or even years after the rash heals. The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. The rash usually develops as a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the right or left side of your torso. It may also develop around one eye or one side of the neck or face.
The varicella-zoster virus can be passed on to anyone who isn’t immune to chickenpox, usually through direct contact with the sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox (not shingles).
While there is no cure for shingles, prompt treatment with antiviral drugs can help stop the shingles virus from multiplying and therefore can speed healing.
Medications such as painkillers can help reduce the pain.
You may also feel more comfortable through the use of cool, wet compresses.
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox may develop shingles. Although it’s not clear why the virus returns, it may be due to lower immunity to infections as people grow older.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles. The majority of older North Americans had chickenpox as children, before the chickenpox vaccine was routinely given.
Medications designed to prevent organ transplant rejections as well as steroids can increase your risk of developing shingles.
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