What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can last several weeks and cause skin infections and scarring. The nerve pain that comes from shingles can last for months, or even years, after the rash heals. For some, the pain can be excruciating, interfering with normal everyday necessities including walking and sleeping. It can also lead to anxiety and depression, and even result in a loss of mobility and independent living.*

Why you and so many people you know may be at risk

If you’ve had chickenpox, you’re at risk. And approximately 95%
of Canadians have had chickenpox!

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, a virus that remains in your body but may stay inactive for years. If it becomes active again, it can cause shingles. This risk increases as you get older, especially over 50 years of age.

What are the complications of shingles?

Shingles can lead to potentially debilitating health complications. The pain associated with the rash has been described as burning, throbbing, stabbing or shooting pain. For most patients, this pain lessens as the rash heals. However, for some, the pain can be excruciating, interfering with normal everyday necessities including walking and sleeping. It can also lead to anxiety and depression, and even result in a loss of mobility and independent living.*

In addition, shingles can cause severe pain for months or even years after the rash has healed. This long-term pain is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and it can interfere with normal day-to-day activities such as walking, sleeping, and social activities. For many people with PHN, even a breeze or the touch of clothing brushing against the skin can cause severe pain.

Other potentially serious complications from shingles include bacterial skin infections, scarring, a decrease or loss of hearing or vision, or muscle paralysis. Some people may need to be hospitalized and in rare cases, shingles can even result in death.

*ZOSTAVAX^® is indicated for the prevention of shingles. It is not indicated to reduce or treat the complications associated with active shingles.

Herpes zoster of the eye affects between an estimated 10 to 25% of all cases.
Click here to see more photos of shingles outbreaks. Please note visuals are explicit and may be shocking.

 

Is there a cure for shingles?

There is no cure for shingles. Shingles can occur at any time with no warning. The effects of an outbreak can be extremely painful and long-lasting, with potentially serious long-term complications.

Vaccination can help protect you against a shingles outbreak.

How can I help protect myself?

Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional about ZOSTAVAX^®, or click here to find where you can get vaccinated

DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE
Click here to download a brochure on shingles