Shingles Virus
Chickenpox and shingles are diseases caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox is contracted through the first infection or contact with a patient with shingles and is characterized by clusters of blisters that appear on the face and body. On the other hand, shingles occurs when the virus, after causing chickenpox, remains dormant in the nerve ganglia and reactivates when the immune system weakens with age. Shingles is characterized by painful blisters on one side of the body. It is estimated that one in three people will develop shingles by the age of 80, with those in their 50s being particularly prone. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia, a condition in which pain persists after the infection. Elderly individuals, those with severe rashes, or those with severe pain tend to be more susceptible to long-term effects. Other complications can affect the eyes or ears and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
In recent years, there have been reports of an increasing number of shingles cases following COVID-19 infection, making shingles one of the diseases to watch closely in the future.
Vaccine
Shingles is more likely to occur in elderly individuals or those with immune-compromising conditions, and the shingles vaccine is considered effective. In Japan, it is recommended for all individuals aged 50 and over.
There are two types of shingles vaccines: the recombinant shingles vaccine and the live attenuated varicella vaccine. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of developing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, especially in individuals at high risk for these conditions.
- Albrecht MA, Levin MJ, et al. Up To Date. Vaccination for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster), accessed on January 7, 2023
- Daisuke Watanabe, Shingles Vaccine. Virus 2018; 68(1): 21-30
- Ayumi Yoshifuji, Takakazu Ryuzaki. Shingles Vaccine. Clinical Dialysis 2023 (in press)