Anyone who’s suffered shingles will tell you it can be debilitating.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
About 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. The virus that causes shingles lies dormant in nearly all adults over 50 years of age and usually affects older people and those with weakened immune systems.
While individual symptoms vary, shingles typically causes a painful skin rash, often with blisters. People often describe the pain as aching, burning, stabbing, or shock-like, and it may interfere with everyday activities, like getting dressed, walking, and sleeping. Other symptoms may include sensitivity to light, headaches, and a sense of not feeling well. See more at knowshingles.com.au
Shingles symptoms can last weeks or even months.
Free shingles vaccinations are available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles. Learn more here.
With the shingles vaccine now available at Community Care Chemist for eligible patients, it’s now even easier to protect yourself.
So why take the risk? Speak with our friendly team to check your eligibility for the free shingles vaccine or book a Shingles consult here.
