What is shingles? Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that can last several weeks. Although it usually occurs in one part of the body, such as the torso, shingles can also affect the face and eyes. People who suffer from shingles have described their pain in many ways. Some say the pain burns or throbs. Others say it stabs, shoots, and/or feels sharp. Severe pain can result from things as minor as a breeze or the touch of clothing against the skin.

If you get shingles even though you have been vaccinated, see your healthcare provider promptly. Don’t wait for you or someone you love to develop shingles. If you’re 50 years or over, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the shingles vaccine.

Can shingles cause other complications? In addition to severe pain, people with shingles
may experience:
• Scarring
• Bacterial skin infections
• Weakness
• Muscle paralysis
• Loss of hearing or vision

Am I at risk? Approximately 95% of Canadian adults have had chickenpox and so is at risk for developing shingles. Medical experts have estimated that the lifetime risk of getting shingles is as high as 1 in 3…and your risk increases after 50 years of age. For people who reach 85 years of age, 1 in 2 will have developed shingles.