Are you at risk of getting shingles?

(NC) In Canada, shingles affects an estimated 130,000 individuals each year, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada,?and approximately one in three people will experience it during their lifetime. Appearing as a painful blistering rash, the disease is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which lays dormant in the nerves after having had chicken pox.

The pain of shingles is often described as aching, burning or shock-like, and can interfere with everyday activities, even those as simple as getting dressed. 90 per cent of Canadian adults have had chickenpox, which means they can get shingles.

There are two key factors that can increase someone’s risk of getting the disease:

1. Age is a critical risk factor. Shingles has a reputation for being a disease of late middle age, and for good reason. Most people who contract it are aged 50 and over. The virus reactivates when the immune system is weakened, which happens naturally as we get older.
2. Chronic conditions can make shingles more likely—and worse.?There is research which shows that certain conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic kidney disease are linked to a 24 to 41 per cent increased risk of shingles. In addition, people with certain chronic conditions are also more likely to experience complications from shingles, including hospitalization and long-term nerve pain.

How to lower your risk: Shingles can be prevented. Vaccination can help protect individuals against the disease and may be a tool to support healthy ageing.

If you’re over the age of 50 or living with a chronic condition, you can speak with your healthcare provider to learn more about your individual risk and prevention options, including vaccination.