Norma's Guidelines for Good Health

Shingles is a disease that should be taken seriously. If you've had chickenpox (and more than 90% of adults in America have) you're at risk for shingles. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and can lie dormant for years. The older you get, the more you're at risk for shingles. This is because your body can't defend itself against the virus that causes shingles as well as it could when you were younger. About half of the nearly one million shingles cases in the U.S. each year occur in people 60 years of age and older.

One out of two people who live to age 85 will have shingles. The older you get, the longer the shingles rash may last, and the more you are at risk for long-term nerve pain. This is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia. The pain can vary from burning and throbbing to stabbing and shooting. Sometimes even the touch of soft clothing against the skin can be painful. Early diagnosis and treatment is important. The first signs of shingles are often felt and may not be seen. These can include itching, tingling and burning. A few days later a rash of fluid-filled blisters appears (usually on one side of the body or face). The blisters may take two to four weeks to heal.

According to the Harvard Health Letter, when the FDA approved Zostavax last spring, it seemed like the new shingles vaccine was going to make a big splash. Clinical trials showed that the vaccine halved the risk of getting shingles, and cut by two-thirds the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia occurring in one in every three cases. Several factors have kept this vaccine from "catching on." Confusion about who should get it, expense and logistical problems (it must be stored at a temperature of 5 degrees F or -15 degrees C) .

If a person has had a bona fide case of shingles, the chances of getting another one are extremely low. By the way, people with shingles can infect others with chicken pox, but not with shingles. Cost is another big factor. Medicare does not pay for this vaccine at present, but some Medicare supplements do pay.

The vaccine is currently available at the Health Department on Ringling Blvd. The cost is $160 and they have the proper refrigeration. An appointment must be made. You might want to discuss this with your doctor and check with your supplemental insurance company. Call Kathy Nelson, RN at 861-2914 if you are interested.

Just a small addendum: Last month in November was "A Great American Smokeout Day." I believe everyone knows the negative effects smoking can cause and that it is very addictive. I will be posting handouts on the bulletin board by the library from the Episcopal Church Medical Trust with some good information on the short term and long term benefits of quitting and some strategies on how to quit if anyone is interested or wants to pass the information on to a friend or loved one.