A member asked:
i have never had chickenpox, but just had an outbreak of shingles. how can i prevent future shingles outbreaks? i am a young adult and recently had an outbreak of shingles. the doctor said i either got it from someone or i had an outbreak due to stress. i
2 doctor answers
Dr. Dennis Rochier answered
40 years experience Internal Medicine
The : The vaccine for shingles is only fda approved for adults over the age of 60. There is nothing you can do otherwise to prevent getting shingles.
Answered on Oct 3, 2016
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5 thanks
Dr. James Ferguson answered
45 years experience Pediatrics
You had chickenpox: Your shingles was evidence you has chickenpox in the past, or had the vaccine (avail from the 90's) . You don't get shingles from someone else. It is a reactivation of your prior chickenpox. Having shingles should boost you immunity to the germ and force it back into hibernation for years. When you get older you can get the shingles vaccine, but there would be no benefit to you at this point.
Answered on Dec 17, 2017
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A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Scott J. Wolfson answered
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They are buddies: Varicella-zoster are the responsible parties in chicken pox and shingles. If you have ever had chicken pox or the vaccine there is the possibility of ... Read More
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2 thanks
A 51-year-old member asked:
Dr. Joseph Rosin answered
47 years experience Internal Medicine
Risk versus benefit: Centers for disease control and prevention recommend a single dose of zoster vaccine for adults aged >60 years, regardless of whether they report a pr ... Read More
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6 thanks
A member asked:
Dr. Shaym Puppala answered
24 years experience Internal Medicine
Prevent chronic pain: Shingles can in some cases lead to "post herpetic neuralgia" which is chronic pain at the site of shingles. Antiviral treatment started within 72 hou ... Read More
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A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Christopher Moeller answered
37 years experience Dermatology
Prevent shingles: There is a shingles vaccine for those over the age of 50. It comes as a single shot and is about 50% effective.
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