Shingles:

Shingles:

Shingles is an illness in the elderly (ages 60 and above) which is caused by the same virus as chicken pox, meaning that anyone who has had the common childhood illness is at risk of developing shingles in the future. The virus lies dormant following recovery from chickenpox and may become active to cause shingles later in life.

Symptoms include over-sensitivity and a burning sensation, followed by a rash of small raised spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters and then scabs. The rash can be debilitating and the pain may last for a long time after the rash is gone.

In 2010 a Department of Health edict said that all people in the United Kingdom over 70 should receive the new shingles (chickenpox reactivation) vaccine. This move could help to prevent many cases of Shingles which affects one in four adults at some point.

Shingles can be life threatening at any age but tends to be more severe in older people. The NHS has not been able to create a vaccination schedule for these yet as there is difficulty in manufacturing and the manufacturers are already at full capacity. Due to these supply problems very few eligible people have received it. Production is currently being increased to accommodate the potential demand of the vaccine. However it is unknown how long this will take. 

The vaccine may prevent shingles in half of those who receive it and ease the symptoms for the rest.

If you have a family member who has not received the vaccine and wishes to then please contact us on 02072244668 to make an appointment. The cost of the vaccine and administration is £200.