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Shingles is a painful rash that usually begins on one side of the body or face. If it occurs on the face, shingles can affect the eye and cause vision impairments.1
The most common complications of shingles is post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) that involves a longer period of nerve inflammation. PHN symptoms include severe pain where the shingles rash appeared after the rash clears up. PHN can be debilitating and can lasts for weeks to months. However, in rare cases, the chronic nerve inflammation and pain can persist for years. Older adults are at a higher risk for PHN, with the pain being more severe.2
Shingles can also lead to hearing and balance problems, facial paralysis, pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis) and death.3
IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about Shingles and the Shingles vaccine by reading all sections in the Table of Contents , which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
References:
[1] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Signs and Symptoms. In: Shingles (Herpes Zoster). July 1, 2019.
[2] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Complications of Shingles. In: Shingles (Herpes Zoster). July 1, 2019.
[3] U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Complications of Shingles. In: Shingles (Herpes Zoster). July 1, 2019.