Shingles Prevention

How Can Shingles Be Prevented?

 Currently, there is no known method of preventing shingles.

Someone who has nerve pain from shingles can cover the rash with clothing or a dressing, which helps decrease the risk of spreading the virus to someone else (which can result in chickenpox).

The VZV vaccine, which is also known as the chickenpox vaccine, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1995. Research indicates that the ZVZ vaccine may reduce the incidence of shingles by strengthening the immune system.

In 2006, the FDA approved a varicella-zoster virus vaccine called Zostavax. It is intended for use by people 60 and older who have had chickenpox. Research has shown that the vaccine can reduce the expected number of cases of shingles of those over 60 by approximately half. Zostavax may also reduce the severity and complications of shingles.

Zostavax is considered to be preventive measure. It is not effective as a treatment for anyone who already has shingles or postherpetic neuralgia.

Also see shingles treatment.