Madeline
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A study of more than 300,000 elderly patients showed that the underutilized herpes zoster vaccine reduced the incidence of painful shingles outbreaks by 55%, even in the oldest populations, researchers reported Tuesday.
The results suggest that the vaccine, which was introduced in 2006 and now reaches about 11% of the elderly population nationwide, should be used much more widely, experts said.
Shingles is a painful rash brought on by the varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Once chickenpox subsides, the virus can remain hidden in a persons body for decades before erupting once more. In addition to pain, a rash can cause vision loss if it spreads to the eyes. The most severe complication is post-herpetic neuralgia, in which the virus causes irritation and inflammation inside nerves. That is a persistent, painful condition that can go on for years and that is extremely challenging to control, said Dr. Bruce Hirsh, an infectious diseases specialist at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y., who was not involved in the research. Some patients have even been driven to suicide.
The herpes zoster vaccine, sold as Zostavax by Merck and Co., was introduced in an attempt to prevent such complications.
Shingles vaccine is effective, even in older patients, study finds - chicagotribune.com
You need not be elderly to suffer this condition. Especially if you have had chicken pox, it may well be worth asking your MD about this.