Shingles (Shingrix)
What is Shingles?
A virus that leads to the presentation of a painful, blistering rash. Shingles is also referred to as Herpes Zoster.
What causes it?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox – varicella zoster. You can only contract Shingles if you’ve had chickenpox.
Symptoms
People who have Shingles usually experience a painful rash that is typically on one side of the body. The rash presents as red bumps that progress into fluid-filled blisters and lasts for up to 15 days.
People suffering from Shingles may experience the following symptoms two to three days after the rash appears:
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Pain
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Burning, tingling, itching
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A stabbing sensation
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Sensitivity or numbness around the area
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Sensitivity to light
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Fever and/or headache
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Fatigue.
How is it spread?
You cannot catch Shingles from another person with the condition. The virus can be spread to people who had not had chickenpox in the past when they come into direct contact with fluid on the blisters of someone with Shingles. The singles virus lies dormant in the body and only presents symptoms when it becomes active again. Most people only get Shingles once in their life.
Who is at risk?
Shingles is more likely to occur in people:
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60 years or older
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Experiencing physical and emotional stress
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Who have HIV or Aids
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Who have had an organ transplant
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Who have had a recent bone marrow transplant
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Who are immunocompromised
Can the disease be prevented?
Vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of developing Shingles. There are two vaccines available in Australia that are suitable for people over 50.
Pharmacist-administered Shingles vaccines are available in*:
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SA (Shingrix brand only)
General information only. This information does not replace the information provided by your healthcare professional. Information current as at date of publishing. Report any errors to marketing@chemcentral.com.au
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