Another Benefit of the Shingles Vaccine

According to new research, people that have had the shingles vaccine are 23 percent less likely to suffer from a cardiovascular incident, such as a heart attack or a stroke, than those who have not had the shingles vaccine are.

 

Without a vaccine, research shows that about 30 percent of people will get shingles in their lifetime. Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. When someone gets chickenpox, the virus stays within them, placing them at risk of developing shingles if the virus is to reactivate in the future.

 

Shingles takes the form of a painful rash, blisters that will typically scab over, and a fever. It is very painful, with the pain typically being the most severe of the symptoms. 

 

Besides preventing shingles, the vaccine seems to have other protective factors. Those that had received the shingles vaccine saw a protective factor that lasted, on average, about eight years. The first two to three years tended to give people the most amount of protection. Men benefitted more heavily than women. People that lived an unhealthy lifestyle, including smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, or excessive consumption of alcohol.

 

 

As of right now, the researchers weren’t sure why the protective effect in regards to heart health occurred. However, they did state that it may demonstrate a benefit of the shingles vaccine for people that don’t have risk factors present.

 

The team published their findings in the European Heart Journal. Hopefully, this helps doctors to better understand the interaction between the virus that causes shingles and heart health. Hopefully, it will contribute towards keeping people safe and healthy. 

 

The CDC recommends that adults age 50 and older get the vaccine. It’s also recommended for those 18 and older that have a significant immunodeficiency issue. If you’re unsure of whether or not you should get the shingle vaccine, be sure to speak to a medical professional that knows your background. They will be able to give you the guidance that you need to make an informed decision on whether or not it is right for you.

 

Likewise, a medical professional that’s familiar with your family and your family’s situation will be able to help give you guidance on whether or not senior care is needed–and what things to look for in a care provider. There are a lot of different options out there when it comes to care, and finding the right service can go a long way toward helping your entire family live a higher quality of life.

 

Do you have questions about how senior care might be able to help your family? We’d love to help answer them! One of our senior care professionals would be happy to help out and get you pointed in the right direction. We offer a free consultation session for precisely this reason. 

 

Whatever challenges you and your family might be up against, there’s likely a way that in-home care can help resolve the issues. Call us today to talk more and get your consultation scheduled.