Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which also causes chicken pox. If you’ve ever had chickenpox then Shingles can resurface since the virus remains dormant within your body. Nearly 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. The risk of shingles appearing increases as you get older, with half of cases occurring in people 60 years or older. Early signs and symptoms of shingles include burning, numbness, or thingling of the skin followed by a painful, blistering rash a few days later.
Zostavax is a vaccine that can help reduce the risk of shingles appearing. The CDC recommends that certain adults 60 years of age or older get vaccinated to help prevent Shingles. We are enrolling for a zostavax and flu vaccine research study at Foothill Family Clinic South for adults age 50 years and older. Please call 801-365-1032 and ask for Research to learn more. If you have shingles pain you may qualify for a shingles study at FirstMed East.
