According to the CDC, approximately one in three adults will get shingles in their lifetime.The condition, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by varicella zoster (VCZ).
Since they are caused by the same virus, think of shingles as the worst case of chickenpox you could ever have. It causes pain and itching throughout the body, accompanied by painful rashes and blisters.
There's no cure for shingles, but the shingles vaccine has reduced its impact. Your risk increases with age, but anyone with a compromised immune system can get the potentially debilitating condition.
Niche ranked Sun City #129 out of 660 on its lists of where to retire in Florida. A Sun City retirement community allows you to enjoy its historic attractions and beautiful landscape at your own pace.
Read our adult immunization guide to learn how the shingles vaccine works and why it's so important for seniors in Sun City Center, FL.
The best senior health tips help them prepare for upcoming changes in their bodies and minds. Knowing the stages a condition goes through helps seniors treat it as early as possible.
Most cases occur in three stages but may go away. The condition can even become chronic.
This is the earliest stage of the condition. Pain or burning starts to spread across your skin, and you may also develop a rash.
The pain is most common in areas where nerves spread across the skin. You may notice it in your abdomen, where nerves spread across the spine.
Pain in the pre-eruptive stage lasts for a few days.
This is the time when you'll start to notice the condition's characteristic blistering. Instead of a rash, you'll develop a grouping of fluid-filled blisters. These dry out and go away after 10 days.
This is when shingles is the most contagious. Wash your hands, especially before having visitors. You should also keep the rashes covered and avoid itching them.
You can spread the virus through direct contact with your blisters, and they may start to experience chickenpox. However, shingles itself isn't contagious.
This is the period where the blisters ooze and crust over. You will develop what appears to be a dry rash.
Do not expect immediate relief; shingles may take a few weeks to heal.
Approximately 10-18% of the people who have shingles may go on to develop severe nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
It's worse than the pain of any shingles blister. The worst part is that it can last for months or even years.
PHN isn't the only potential complication of shingles. The longer it lasts and the weaker your immune system is, the worse it can be.
Rashes near the eyes can lead to blindness, while rashes near the ears can result in hearing loss.
It affects the brain by increasing stroke risk. In rare cases, it can cause a brain inflammation known as encephalitis.
In the most severe cases, shingles can even be deadly. Varicella pneumonia has a 10-30% mortality rate if left untreated.
A vaccine is like a tough-love teacher for the immune system. It introduces a small amount of an illness into the body so it knows what to look for and how to fight it.
The shingles vaccine used today was introduced in 1995. According to the CDC, it can prevent up to 90% of cases of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults aged 50 or older with healthy immune systems.
The vaccine is delivered via an injection. You can schedule a vaccination appointment online or in person. You will need to get two doses to experience the full effects, which should be taken at least two to six months apart.
The vaccine doesn't guarantee that you won't get shingles, but if you do, the symptoms won't be as intense.
Do not allow cost to deter you from this vital preventative care for aging. Most insurance plans will cover at least part of the expense. You'll pay more in healthcare costs later by skipping it now.
Any adults over 50 should get the shingles vaccine, including members of a Sun City senior living community. According to the National Institute on Aging, nearly half of all cases occur in adults aged 60 years or older.
The vaccine is also essential for adults with weakened immune systems who wouldn't be able to fight off the disease otherwise. There's no maximum age, and it doesn't matter if you've had chickenpox before or not.
Don't get the vaccine if you are:
Do not be surprised if you return home or to your Sun City Center retirement community feeling a bit different after the vaccine. Common side effects only last for a few days and may include:
Weighing the pros and cons highlights the importance of the shingles vaccine for older adults. Its risks are low and transient. They're preferabble to having to live with a debilitating condition or its serious complications.
Receiving the vaccine empowers you to live without the distraction of constant skin irritation, promoting enhanced independent living wellness. It's a simple way to allow residents to enjoy the amenities their community has to offer.
The shingles vaccine is an essential part of preventive care for aging adults or those with compromised immune systems.
It prevents a painful, potentially deadly condition. Vaccination is simple and effective with minimal side effects.
Aston Gardens at Sun City Center offers independent living in Sun City Center, FL. Residents get the ideal balance of support and independence.
We offer spacious apartments surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds. Explore the gym or visit the library. Participate in a social event or explore a nearby neighborhood. The choice is entirely yours.
Schedule a tour of our community today.