Serious Complications of Shingles and How to Avoid Them
In this video, dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, explains what shingles is, the symptoms of shingles, and the possible complications of shingles if it is not treated early.
Long-term nerve pain that lasts longer than three months after the onset of shingles symptoms is known as postherpetic neuralgia, and it’s the most common complication of shingles. “That can be a really deep burning, uncomfortable, crippling pain,” says Michelle Henry, MD, dermatologist in New York City and clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College.
“I have patients [who] have this pain for years and years and years, [and it] can disturb their sleep. It can disturb their daily activities.”
- Michelle Henry, MDDr. Henry is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in New York City, and a clinical instructor at Weill Cornell Medical College.
SHINGRIX (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) is now $0 for almost everyone*
Get SHINGRIX at the pharmacy or in-network doctor’s office today. 98% of privately insured people pay $0 and all Medicare Part D beneficiaries pay $0 at the pharmacy.
Prescribing Information
*Coverage and cost may vary and are subject to change without notice. Reimbursement decisions are made by individual insurance plans.
SHINGRIX is an FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) in adults 50 years and older. SHINGRIX is not used to prevent chickenpox.
• You should not receive SHINGRIX if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of SHINGRIX
• An increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) was observed after vaccination with SHINGRIX
• Fainting can happen after getting injectable vaccines, including SHINGRIX. Precautions should be taken to avoid falling and injury due to fainting
• The most common side effects are pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever, and upset stomach
• SHINGRIX was not studied in pregnant or nursing women. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• Vaccination with SHINGRIX may not protect all individuals
• Ask your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of SHINGRIX. Only a healthcare provider can decide if SHINGRIX is right for you
You are encouraged to report vaccine adverse events to the US Department of Health and Human Services. Visit www.vaers.hhs.gov to file a report, or call 1-800-822-7967.
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References
Albrecht, M.A. (2024). Patient education: shingles (beyond the basics). UpToDate.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Shingles (herpes zoster): vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About shingles.
National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Shingles.