Reducing Your Risk of Shingles
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A new vaccine , Zostavax, has been approved by the FDA for usage in the prevention of shingles in those 60 years of age and older. In clinical trials, it reduced the risk of developing shingles by about 50%. Persons with a history of anaphylaxis (a type of a very bad allergic reaction) to neomycin should not receive this vaccine. In addition, avoiding undue stress and fatigue may theoretically help prevent an outbreak.
References:
The American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/default.htm . Accessed February 21, 2006.
Merck website. Available at: http://www.merck.com . Accessed February 15, 2007.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/ . Accessed February 21, 2006.
Stankus SJ, Dlugopolski M, Packer D. Management of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. Am Fam Physician . 2000;61(8). Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000415/2437.html.
Tyring SK. Management of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2007 Dec;57(6 Suppl):S136-42. Review.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
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