Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. While it can affect anyone who’s previously had chickenpox, shingles predominantly strike older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. In Hong Kong, where the population is ageing and healthcare systems are already stretched, the importance of vaccines like Shingrix cannot be overstated. According to a Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics study, an estimated 2 in 7 will experience shingles, 1 in 20 will develop shingles-related nerve pain, and 1 in 100 will experience shingles around the eye.

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What is Herpes Zoster (Shingles)?

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissues and can reactivate later in life, mainly due to aging or weakened immunity.

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Shingles often begin with tingling, itching, or burning sensations on one side of the body or face, followed by a painful rash in a band-like pattern. The rash evolves into fluid-filled blisters that eventually burst and scab over. Common accompanying symptoms include fever, headaches, and fatigue. If the rash affects the face or eyes, it can lead to vision problems or blindness.

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A serious complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), where severe nerve pain persists after the rash heals, sometimes for months or years. This long-lasting pain is more common in older adults. Other complications may include bacterial infections at the rash site or, in rare cases, neurological issues.

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The Risk of Shingles

Our immune systems naturally weaken as we age, making adults over 50 more vulnerable to developing shingles. This vulnerability is heightened for individuals with certain health conditions that compromise the immune system, such as leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV. Additionally, those who have undergone treatments like chemotherapy or organ transplants are at greater risk due to the impact these procedures have on immune function.

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With a weakened immune system, the risk of contracting shingles increases, as does the likelihood of experiencing severe complications. These complications can include long-lasting nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia or even vision loss if shingles affect the area around the eyes.

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Spreading of Shingles

Although shingles cannot be passed from one person to another, the varicella-zoster virus can be spread from someone with shingles to another person who has never had chickenpox or hasn’t been vaccinated against it. This can result in that person developing not shingles but chickenpox. It's important to remember that shingles are most contagious when the rash is blistering, but the risk of spreading the virus diminishes once the rash has scabbed over.
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What to Do to Protect Others if You Have Shingles

If you are diagnosed with shingles, there are steps you can take to avoid spreading the virus to others. Covering the rash is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus, and it’s essential to avoid touching or scratching the rash. Regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds can also help reduce the spread of the virus. It’s also best to avoid contact with particular groups, including pregnant individuals who have never had chickenpox, premature infants, and those with weakened immune systems.
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Prevention of Shingles with the Shingrix Vaccine

The Shingrix vaccine is currently the most effective way to prevent shingles and its complications. Approved by the FDA, Shingrix is specifically designed for adults aged 50 and older and those with weakened immune systems. It’s important to note that while Shingrix protects against shingles (herpes zoster), it does not prevent chickenpox.

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The Shingrix vaccine is administered in two doses, spaced between 2 and 6 months apart. Clinical trials have shown that it is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles in older adults. This high efficacy makes Shingrix the preferred choice over the older Zostavax vaccine.

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Blue Care is providing Shingrix vaccineservice. The aged 18 years or above at increased risk of herpes zoster and aged 50 or over to get vaccinated at their own cost to reduce the activation of shingles and the complications that come with the condition. For discount offer, you may click here-to review more details.

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Are There Any Side Effects of the Shingrix Vaccine?

As with any vaccine, the shingles vaccine may cause side effects. The most common side effects include headaches and soreness at the injection site. Pain, swelling, and itching where the shot was administered are typical reactions. The injection area may appear red for individuals with white skin, while this redness might be harder to detect on darker skin tones. Additionally, some people may experience fatigue, muscle pain, or mild fever after receiving the vaccine. These side effects are generally short-lived and resolve within a few days.

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While serious side effects are rare, you must consult a healthcare provider if you have certain medical conditions or concerns. Individuals who have a history of severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine should avoid Shingrix. Those who are immunocompromised due to conditions like HIV, cancer treatments, or autoimmune disorders should also speak to their doctor. Their immune systems may respond differently to the vaccine or require special monitoring.

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People with active shingles should wait until the illness has resolved before receiving the vaccine. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss the timing of vaccination with their healthcare provider to ensure it’s appropriate for their situation.

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Managing Shingles: The Importance of Awareness and Prevention

Shingles can be painful and debilitating, particularly for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. While its symptoms can be managed, the best strategy is prevention, especially considering long-term complications such as postherpetic neuralgia and vision loss.
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With Hong Kong's aging population and the strain on healthcare systems, the importance of reducing the public health burden of shingles through vaccination is clear. Taking preventive steps, such as getting vaccinated with Shingrix, is a proactive way to protect yourself and others, particularly those most vulnerable to the spread of the virus.

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Remarks:

1. Source：National Library of Medicine (2023) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10026898/

2. Source：GlaxoSmithKline plc(2024) https://shingrixhcp.com/
3. Source：Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html