What is the shingles virus?
The varicella zoster virus, also known as the shingles virus, is the same virus that causes the chickenpox.
If you have had chickenpox, and that’s over 90% of adults, your immune system may have been able to keep the virus under control.
However, as we age our immune system naturally weakens. As a result, the shingles virus may reactivate, increasing the risk of developing shingles.
What are some shingles symptoms?
Shingles can result in a painful and blistering rash that can last several weeks.
- The pain from shingles can be severe, disabling and may interfere with doing normal day-to-day activities including walking, sleeping and social activities.
- It may also lead to serious complications such as long-lasting nerve pain (also called postherpetic neuralgia or PHN), which can last for months or years.
Other symptoms may include:
- Burning, numbness, or tingling
- Sensitivity to touch
- Fever
- Headache
- Vision problems/loss of vision
- Upset stomach
- Loss of hearing
Talk to our pharmacist about the Shingles vaccine and protecting yourself!
