Bacterial skin infections Shingles blisters can become infected with bacteria, though this only happens in about two percent of cases. In individuals over the age of 60, persistent pain is the most common symptom related to shingles. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (also called VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of having shingles—which is most people, since it’s estimated that 99.5 percent of American adults over the age of 40 have had chickenpox whether they realize it or not.After a case of chickenpox clears up, VZV remains in the body in an inactive state. Common side effects of the shingles vaccine, which occur in at least 1 in 10 people, are: headache; redness, pain, swelling, itching, warmth and bruising at the injection site; If any side effects carry on for longer than a few days, speak to your GP or practice nurse. At some point in the future, VZV can become active, causing shingles. You might have a bacterial infection.You should get regular care for shingles so your doctor can check for even these uncommon kinds of problems.NIH, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, “Shingles: Hope Through Research.”National Institute on Aging: “Shingles,” “How Long Does Shingles Last?”WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Tell your GP if you develop a rash after having the shingles vaccination. Infected blisters take longer to heal and may leave scars. For many people, the first symptoms are pain, tingling and/or itching in the area that will be affected by shingles. The common after effects of shingles can be severe or mild depending on the person’s age, health, and the severity of the person’s rash. We also provide information about the different types of vaccine and the short and long term side effects that they can cause.A person gets the Shingrix vaccine in two doses. You can prevent shingles of the eye and its complications by getting vaccinated if … For people like Karen Greenberg, shingles is a debilitating virus with life-changing consequences. After you get chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for several years without causing any symptoms. O 0Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.Some side effects may not be reported. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. (This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Avapro. People can usually manage their symptoms by resting and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.Rarely, a person may experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, immediately after receiving the Shingrix vaccine.People should ask about the safety of a shingles vaccine if they:© 2004-2020 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster). O 03. Most patients with shingles find the pain subsides within a few weeks or months, but in other cases, the pain may last for years. Roughly 30% to 60% of people over age 60 who get shingles go on to develop a chronic pain … Blood Pressure Meds Could Improve Survival in COVID-19 Patients Shingles not only gives you a painful rash, it can also lead to other serious problems. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information - The blisters can take 2–3 weeks to heal, according to the The FDA have approved the use of both shingles vaccines in healthy adults over the age of 50.However, there are some instances in which a person should not get either vaccine — if they are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine, or have a weakened immune system, for example.Older adults and people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of developing shingles, according to the A person should avoid the shingles vaccine if they have a weakened immune system due to:Also, women who are or may become pregnant should avoid the Zostavax vaccine.The risk of shingles significantly increases with age.