One health concern that often flies under the radar is shingles, a painful and potentially serious condition that affects nearly 1 in 3 Canadians during their lifetime. It is also estimated that 130,000 new cases of shingles occur annually in Canada. For older adults, it is important to understand what shingles is, which conditions put them at higher risk, and why vaccination is a smart step for protecting your health.
What is Shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. For anyone who has had chickenpox earlier in life, the virus remains dormant in your nervous system and can reactivate years later as shingles.
The virus shows up as a painful skin rash, usually on one side of the body or face. The rash develops into small, fluid-filled blisters that dry, scab over, and heal over the span of a week or longer, fully clearing up between two to four weeks. However, the pain might begin even before you notice the rash appearing and can last for weeks, months, or even years after the rash has healed.
If you suspect you might have shingles, be sure to see a doctor right away so they can examine the rash and prescribe a course of treatment. When left untreated, shingles can lead to severe health complications including:
- Skin infection
- Vision loss
- Long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia)
- Neurological problems (hearing loss, balance issues, facial paralysis)
To treat patients with shingles, doctors will typically prescribe antiviral medication to help lessen the severity and duration of the symptoms. These medications are most effective when taken within the first three days after the rash appears. To help with discomfort, a health care provider might also recommend other treatments to relieve pain and reduce swelling. This could include taking over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as well corticosteroids like prednisone to help mange pain and inflammation.
Who is at Higher Risk for Shingles?
Although anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, adult patients with certain health conditions are at much higher risk of contracting the virus than those without.
- Diabetes: Patients with diabetes are 24% more likely to develop shingles.
- Cardiovascular disease: Patients with cardiovascular disease are 31% more likely to develop shingles.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Patients with COPD are 41% more likely to develop shingles.
Adults who are over the age of 50 and those who have a weakened immune system are also at higher risk of developing shingles. But not to worry – if you want to stay protected against shingles, luckily there is an effective method available to help you fight the virus.
What is the Best Protection Against Shingles?
Vaccination is the best defense against shingles. In adults ages 50 and older, the vaccine prevents more than 90% of cases of the virus. If you do develop shingles, the vaccine can also reduce the severity of the uncomfortable symptoms and how long the virus lasts.
The Government of Canada recommends most people ages 60 and over to be vaccinated. However, some people with certain allergies or who are taking certain medications might not be recommended for this vaccine – always speak with your health care professional to determine if this preventative method is right for you.
If you are between 50 and 59, you can speak with your pharmacist about getting the shingles vaccine. In Canada, the Shingrix® (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine, RZV) is currently the only vaccine authorized for shingles. It is administered in two doses, with the second dose given between two to six months after the first.
If you have any questions or concerns about shingles, or would like to know more about getting immunized, reach out to our pharmacy team today!
References:
- Marra et al. Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster Infection: A Meta-Analysis. Open Forum Infectious Diseases. 2020;7:1-8.
- Government of Canada. Fact Sheet – Shingles (Herpes Zoster). 2013. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/infectious-diseases/fact-sheet-shingles-herpes-zoster.html
- Government of Canada. Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide. 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-immunization-guide-part-4-active-vaccines/page-8-herpes-zoster-(shingles)-vaccine.html