2018 Wellness Expo

Page 10 2018 Wellness Expo LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Reduce your risk from shingles In the U.S, one out of three people will develop shingles during their lifetime. Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash. Shingles can also lead to severe nerve pain which can last months or for years after the skin rash disappears. Shingles is caused by a virus known as varicella zoster, which is the same virus that causes chicken pox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles and it most commonly occurs in people over age 60. People with weakened immune systems are also at greater risk. Fortunately, there is a vaccine available that works by helping your immune system keep the shingles virus in check. The sooner you get vaccinated, the better your chances of protecting yourself from getting shingles in the future. The vaccine is not intended to be used as a treatment method for nerve pain to individuals who already have shingles. The vaccine is approved to help prevent shingles for people age 50 or older. For people with weakened immune systems, it is recommended to see their doctor to see if it is safe to receive the vaccine. If you have shingles, avoid touching the rash and keep it covered. Until the rash crusts over, avoid contact with pregnant women who are not protected from chicken pox, and stay away from premature infants and people with weakened immune systems. The vaccine is available at the Logan County Department of Public Health and is covered under Medicare Part D. For more information regarding shingles and the vaccine, you can contact the health department at 217-735- 2317. [Logan County Department of Public Health/ LDN] Information Source: CDC