Yes, it is possible for an elderly person to get shingles twice. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. This virus can stay dormant in the body after chickenpox, and sometime later become active again.
In the case of elderly people, the immune system may not be strong enough to completely get rid of the virus the first time, which increases the risk of it reactivating later in life. In addition, shingles can be contagious, so if the elderly person wasn’t vaccinated against chickenpox earlier in life and/or was exposed to someone with chickenpox, they may be at risk of getting shingles more than once.
What are the odds of getting shingles twice?
The odds of getting shingles twice are relatively low, but they do exist. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to one in three people may get shingles a second (or even third) time.
The chances of a recurrent attack are higher if there are other risk factors, such as being elderly or having a weakened immune system. Additionally, the risk increases if you’ve had shingles for a long time and the virus remains in your body even after the initial shingles episode.
Fortunately, advances in healthcare have created a vaccine for shingles which can lessen your chances of developing the virus again. Even if you have already had shingles, it is still recommended that you receive the vaccine, as it may help to reduce your risk of another attack.
Consult your healthcare provider if you think you may have an elevated risk of getting shingles and whether or not receiving a vaccine to protect against shingles is right for you.
How common is it to get shingles twice?
Getting shingles twice is not very common, but it is possible. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chances of getting shingles a second time are about 1 in 5. However, having shingles more than once is more likely as you age, because your immune system becomes weaker over time.
If you do get shingles more than once, it is important to see a healthcare provider right away. You may need to take antiviral medications to reduce the severity and duration of the virus. It is also important to keep in mind that a second outbreak may be more severe than the first one.
Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is the most important step in preventing serious complications.
What causes shingles to flare up again?
Shingles is caused by a virus called the Varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, but can become active again.
When the virus reactivates, it causes shingles. The exact cause of reactivation is unknown, but some possible triggers include emotional stress, extreme fatigue, and weakened immune system. People with weakened immune systems may be more likely to experience shingles flare-ups.
Additionally, some studies have suggested that a taking a hiatus from taking antiviral drugs over a long period of time could also cause shingles to flare up again. It is important to note that flares in shingles are not contagious.
How do you prevent getting shingles a second time?
Recurrent shingles is much less common and occurs due to reactivation of the virus. It may occur more frequently in people with a weakened immune system. The best way to prevent shingles a second time is to get vaccinated.
The vaccine is most effective if given within three to five years after the first episode and is recommended even if the first infection was mild. Additionally, if you are over the age of 50 and you haven’t been vaccinated, it’s a good idea to go ahead and get the vaccine.
It is recommended for older individuals because their risk of reactivation of the virus increases with age. To further reduce the risk of getting shingles a second time, it is important to practice good general health habits, such as getting plenty of rest, managing stress, and eating a balanced diet.
People who have compromised immunity due to an illness or medication should talk with their doctor about any further preventative measures they can take.
Should you get the shingles vaccine if you ve already had shingles?
Yes, you should get the shingles vaccine if you have already had shingles. Even if you have had shingles in the past, you can still benefit from the vaccine and may be at risk for getting shingles again.
The vaccine can help to reduce the severity and frequency of shingles outbreaks and also reduce your chances of spreading the virus to other people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people over the age of 60 get vaccinated against shingles, regardless of whether they have had shingles in the past or not.
Even if the shingles vaccine does not completely prevent a recurrence of shingles, it can often reduce the severity of a recurrence and make the outbreak less painful. A booster shot may be recommended in some cases if you have had shingles before, in order to provide additional protection from a recurrence.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history and what is best for you.
What medications can trigger shingles?
Unfortunately, certain medications can contribute to a person’s risk of developing shingles. These medications can impair a person’s immune system, making them more vulnerable to viral infections like shingles.
Some of the medications which are known to increase the risk of shingles include corticosteroids, chemotherapy, drugs taken for an organ transplant, and drugs that can suppress the immune system. Also, a person who is over the age of 50 and who has taken anti-inflammatory drugs extendedly on a daily basis may be more likely to develop shingles.
In addition, monoclonal antibody drugs like Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab are known to increase the risk of shingles in some people as well. If you are taking any of these medications or if you have any concerns, it is best to discuss with your doctor to determine if they could increase your risk of shingles.
How long does immunity last after shingles?
The duration of immunity after shingles is not exact, as it is influenced by a person’s age, as well as the severity and treatment of the shingles infection. Generally, immunity will last for several years, although some cases have been reported of people who have had recurrent shingles episodes over the course of many years.
In general, people who were over age 60 when they were initially infected with shingles can expect longer periods of immunity. Also, if the shingles infection was severe and required treatment with antiviral medication, then immunity can last longer.
In addition, individuals who receive the shingles vaccine may expect their immunity to last a minimum of five years, although the vaccine also has been shown to provide protection against shingles up to ten years.
The shingles vaccine is recommended for people age 50 or older and is often covered by health insurance plans.
What is a good painkiller for nerve pain from shingles?
For nerve pain from shingles, it is important to talk to a doctor about the best treatment option. Some medications that can help alleviate nerve pain include: tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline; anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin and gabapentin; analgesics, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen; and topical treatments such as lidocaine patches.
These medications can provide some relief of nerve pain. However, other alternative treatments such as physical therapy and behavioral therapies may also be helpful. Talk with your doctor to evaluate your best options for relieving nerve pain from shingles.
Can anxiety cause shingles?
While anxiety may not be a direct cause of shingles, people with a weakened immune system due to stress and anxiety may be more likely to develop the virus that causes shingles. That virus is called varicella-zoster, and it is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
When people have a weakened immune system, they may not be able to fight off the virus as well.
This virus can lie dormant in the body and then cause shingles when the immune system is stressed. In some cases, constant stress can trigger the onset of symptoms. People with a weakened immune system may find that the symptoms come on quickly and intensely.
Shingles can be quite painful, and the stress associated with it can worsen the symptoms and cause further anxiety. People with shingles and a weakened immune system due to stress should take steps to reduce their stress as much as possible.
Additionally, they should also communicate with their doctor to ensure they are receiving the best treatment for their shingles.
Are you immune to shingles if you had it?
No, you are not immune to shingles if you had it in the past. Even if you have already had shingles, you can get it again. After having shingles, the virus that caused it stays in your body. It can become active again later in life, which is called “shingles reactivation.
” The risk of getting shingles again increases with age. People over age 50 have a 10% chance of getting shingles again after recovery. The risk increases to 50% if you are over 80 years old. People who have weakened immune systems, whether due to illness or medications, are at a higher risk of shingles reactivation.
Reactivation is more common in certain individuals, including people with HIV/AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, and those undergoing chemotherapy. It is important to get vaccinated against shingles, even if you have already had it.
The shingles vaccine is available for people over the age of 50, and can help prevent shingles reactivation.
Is shingles caused by stress?
No, shingles is not caused by stress. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person gets infected with chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate years later.
Factors such as age, poor health, and a weakened or suppressed immune system can increase the risk of reactivating the virus, but stress is not an established cause of shingles.
Can you get shingles after 70?
Yes, you can get shingles after you turn 70. The risk of contracting shingles increases with age, particularly after age 50. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems may be at a higher risk for shingles after 70.
People over 70 can also be more prone to severe cases of shingles and longer-lasting complications. It is recommended that individuals over 70 get a shingles vaccine if they have not had shingles, as the vaccine can help to reduce the risk of getting the virus.
Symptoms of shingles may include a rash, itching, burning, stinging, pain, blisters, and possibly fever. Treatment usually includes medication and depending on the severity can include certain remedies and ointments.
Talk to your doctor to determine if a shingles vaccine is right for you and what steps you can take to prevent or reduce symptoms.
What triggers shingles in older adults?
Shingles in older adults is triggered by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in their body. As people grow older, their immune systems tend to weaken, making them more vulnerable to the virus reactivating and causing shingles.
This is why the incidence of shingles in adults over the age of 50 is significantly higher than it is in younger people. Another factor that may increase the likelihood of shingles in older adults is having a weakened immune system due to chronic illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, or taking immunosuppressant medications.
Additionally, undergoing cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy may weaken the immune system and may also be associated with an increased risk of shingles. In general, there are no concrete ways to completely prevent shingles, but seniors can take several steps to reduce the risk of shingles, such as getting vaccinated, eating healthily, and staying active.
What is the oldest age you can get shingles?
Shingles can affect anyone over the age of 50, with the risk increasing as people get older. While people of any age can get shingles, it is more common and more severe in people over the age of 60. It is estimated that almost 50% of all cases of shingles occur in people over the age of 70.
People over the age of 50 should strongly consider getting a shingles vaccine to reduce their risk of developing the condition.