Shingles is a very painful infection that occurs in older adults who previously had chickenpox. The virus that causes chickenpox, varicella zoster, can stay dormant in the body long after chickenpox has cleared. It can take years or even decades to reactivate. If it does reactivate, it doesn’t appear as chickenpox but as shingles.
The rash caused by shingles can appear anywhere on the body. The most common presentation is a stripe of blisters that wrap around one side of the torso.
Not everyone who had chickenpox will get shingles, but those who do report extremely uncomfortable symptoms. There’s also a risk of permanent nerve damage.
To reduce your chances of getting shingles, book an appointment for shingles vaccination in Sydenham at Touchwood Pharmacy.
Early Warning Signs of Shingles
The first warning signs of shingles can start several days before more noticeable symptoms like a rash develop. However, not everyone will experience these early symptoms. If they do, the symptoms tend to occur on the skin of one side of the body.
Warning signs of shingles include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Itching
- Painful burning sensation
- Sensitivity to touch
Some people may also feel like they’ve come down with the flu, with complaints like muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, and fever.
Where Can I Get the Shingles Vaccination in Northampton or Northolt?
The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection into the upper arm, although some people may need to get two doses. Once it takes effect, it should provide at least 5 years of protection against shingles. Even if you do develop shingles, your symptoms will be far less severe than they would be if you were unvaccinated.
People over the age of 70 are eligible to get the shingles vaccine free through the NHS. Those under 70 who want to protect themselves from shingles will need to obtain it privately through providers like Touchwood Pharmacy. Convenient and effective shingles vaccination in Sydenham and Streatham can be arranged online or over the phone with Touchwood Pharmacy. Contact us directly to book in for shingles vaccination in Ramsgate or at any of our other locations.
