If an individual has never had the chickenpox or received the vaccine to prevent the disease, it is recommended this individual avoid all contact with individuals who have the chickenpox or shingles. The fluid within the blisters associated with shingles is contagious. If an individual who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine is exposed to this fluid it can cause him to have chickenpox, but not shingles. He could avoid contracting the virus by getting the varicella vaccine to increase his immunity to these conditions.

If an individual develops shingles, they should avoid having close contact with others until the skin rash and blisters heal. It is extremely important that contact is avoided with those who are at high risk for contracting the chickenpox or shingles. These individuals include:

-Any individual who is presently ill.
-Infants, pregnant women, children or any other individual who hasn’t had the chickenpox.
-Any individual who has a weakened immune system and has difficulty fighting infections.

Be sure to cover the sores and lesions from the shingles with an absorbent dressing. This will protect the sores and lesions, absorb the fluid and also assist in the prevention of spreading the virus to others.

Seeking Protection Against the Shingles Virus is Usually Advisable

According to William Schaffner, MD and the president of the ‘National Foundation for Infectious Diseases,’ the majority of people who have had chickenpox will always have the chickenpox virus in their system. The virus will lie dormant and when an individual gets shingles this virus has been reawakened. Obtaining the vaccine will greatly reduce the risk of reawakening this virus.

Dr. Schaffner also spoke concerning the vaccine. He stated that anyone 50 years or older who isn’t profoundly immunocompromised should get the vaccine. An individual that has recently had certain medical treatments like steroids in high doses or chemotherapy would be considered an immunocompromised individual.

The shingles vaccine is only one shot. For older adults, Medicare will cover the shingles vaccine; however it can be difficult to get approval. 

What are the Benefits & Risks of the Shingles Vaccine?

Shingles is usually not a life-threatening condition; however it has the ability to be quite debilitating. If the condition involves an individual’s eyes or face, it can actually threaten his eyesight. 

Once the rash lessens, an individual may still suffer pain in the section of his body that may be triggered by the smallest amount of stimuli. Even a shirt touching his skin may trigger pain. 

The shingles vaccine is extremely safe. A small percentage point of individuals will get blisters associated with chickenpox around the injection site. These blisters are harmless and will go away.

The only individuals that should not consider the shingles vaccine are those who have an immune system that is compromised.