Shingles, a condition marked by a painful rash, affects many people annually. While it is a common viral illness, various strategies exist to significantly lower an individual’s risk of developing it.
Understanding How Shingles Develops
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the VZV does not leave the body but instead becomes inactive, or dormant, residing in nerve cells for many years. The virus can reactivate later in life, often decades after the initial chickenpox infection, and travel along nerve pathways to the skin, resulting in the characteristic shingles rash. While the exact reason for reactivation is not always clear, it is often linked to a decline in the immune system’s ability to keep the virus suppressed.
The Role of Vaccination in Prevention
Vaccination is considered the most effective way to prevent shingles and its potential complications. The recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, is the primary vaccine. This vaccine does not contain a live virus, making it suitable for a broader range of individuals. It is administered in two doses, typically given two to six months apart.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix for healthy adults aged 50 years and older. This recommendation holds true even if an individual has previously had shingles, received an older shingles vaccine (Zostavax), or is unsure if they had chickenpox. For adults aged 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems due to disease or therapy, the CDC also recommends two doses of Shingrix, with the second dose given between one to two months after the first.
Shingrix works by stimulating a strong immune response against VZV. It contains a specific protein, glycoprotein E, from the outer shell of the virus, combined with an adjuvant to enhance the body’s immune reaction. This mechanism leads to the production of antibodies and a significant increase in T-cells. Clinical trials have shown that for adults aged 50 to 69 years, Shingrix is about 97% effective in preventing shingles, and for those 70 years and older, it is about 91% effective. This high efficacy extends to preventing postherpetic neuralgia, a common and often debilitating complication of shingles.
Lifestyle Factors for Immune Support
Maintaining a robust immune system can play a supportive role in overall health and may indirectly reduce the risk of viral reactivations like shingles. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for immune cells to function effectively. Consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports bodily processes, including immune responses.
Regular physical activity helps to circulate immune cells throughout the body and can contribute to a healthier immune system. Adequate sleep is also important, as chronic sleep deprivation can suppress immune function. Additionally, managing stress through techniques such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises can help prevent immune system weakening, as periods of high stress can temporarily impair the body’s defenses. While these lifestyle practices promote general well-being, they complement rather than replace the specific protection offered by vaccination against shingles.
Identifying Your Risk for Shingles
The risk of shingles increases significantly with age, with most cases occurring in individuals over 50 years old. About half of all shingles cases in the United States are in adults aged 60 or older, and the risk becomes substantially greater by age 70.
Beyond age, certain medical conditions and treatments can weaken the immune system, thereby increasing the likelihood of VZV reactivation. These include diseases like HIV/AIDS, various cancers (such as leukemia and lymphoma), and conditions requiring organ transplants. Medications that suppress the immune system, such as long-term use of steroids like prednisone, chemotherapy, or drugs taken after an organ transplant, also elevate the risk. Even with these risk factors, preventive measures like vaccination remain an option.