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ABOUT SHINGLES

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WHAT IS SHINGLES?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox).

 

If you’re one of the approximately 99% of adults 50 years or older who have had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is already inside your body. It can reactivate at any time, and your risk increases as your immune system naturally declines with age.

Shingles may lead to long-term complications such as debilitating pain that lasts for months or even years. In rare cases, serious, long-term eye or hearing issues can occur.

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YOUR RISK FOR SHINGLES INCREASES AS YOU AGE.1 OUT OF 3 PEOPLE WILL GET SHINGLES IN THEIR LIFETIME.

WHO IS AT RISK OF GETTING SHINGLES?

If you’re one of the 99% of adults over 50 years old who have had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles is inside your body and can reactivate at any time. 1 in every 3 people in the US will get shingles in their lifetime. No matter how healthy you feel, your immune system declines as you age, and that puts you at an increased risk for shingles.

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SHINGLES SYMPTOMS

Shingles typically produces a painful rash that blisters and scabs over in 7 to 10 days; it will usually clear up within 2 to 4 weeks. Most people who get shingles experience acute pain, and many describe the pain as aching, burning, stabbing, or shock-like.

 

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Rash

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BLISTER

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EXTREME PAIN

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In addition, some people experience complications that can lead to long-term health problems. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), severe pain that can last for months or even years in the area of the healed rash. Other possible complications include scarring, complications with vision (if the rash appears around the eye), and partial weakness/paralysis of the areas served by affected nerves. SHINGRIX is not indicated to prevent complications from shingles, including PHN.

Discover Shingrix

SHINGRIX is a vaccine given as a 2-dose series to adults 50 years and older. In clinical trials it was proven to be over 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older.

SHINGRIX can help prevent shingles. Learn more about what to expect with SHINGRIX and safety information.

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