It'll be really interesting to see if we hear more anecdotal evidence of shingles and flu shots.
The Centers for Disease Control cites only the following as side effects from the flu shot (in which the flu virus is killed/inactivated:
--Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given;
--Fever (low grade)
--Aches
And in the nasal flu shots, where the flu virus is weakened, the side effects can include:
--runny nose
--headache
--sore throat
--cough
Shingles is caused by the Herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a case of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant, often for decades. The reasons it reactivates are not entirely known, though aging and weakened immune systems are often cited. Some medical reference sites list statistics that suggest for people who live to age 85, 50% will experience shingles in a lifetime. So it's certainly possible that the timing was coincidence only.
Once the shingles virus is activated, it travels along the pathways of a nerve until it reaches the skin's surface, where it ultimately results in very painful blisters.
Like Alison, I also found no documented connection between flu shots and shingles. One interesting thing, however, is the caution that people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome should consult with a doctor before deciding to get a flu shot. Guillain-Barre is an inflammation of the nerves associated with a number of viruses, including the herpes zoster virus. Both have auto-immune connections and nerve connections.
It would be interesting to know whether your friend got the shot or the nasal vaccine; whether she had chickenpox as a child; whether she ever had Guillain Barre syndrome, or whether her immune system has been weakened by another illness.
Comment Reply
Jean,
It'll be really interesting to see if we hear more anecdotal evidence of shingles and flu shots.
The Centers for Disease Control cites only the following as side effects from the flu shot (in which the flu virus is killed/inactivated:
--Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given;
--Fever (low grade)
--Aches
And in the nasal flu shots, where the flu virus is weakened, the side effects can include:
--runny nose
--headache
--sore throat
--cough
Shingles is caused by the Herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a case of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant, often for decades. The reasons it reactivates are not entirely known, though aging and weakened immune systems are often cited. Some medical reference sites list statistics that suggest for people who live to age 85, 50% will experience shingles in a lifetime. So it's certainly possible that the timing was coincidence only.
Once the shingles virus is activated, it travels along the pathways of a nerve until it reaches the skin's surface, where it ultimately results in very painful blisters.
Like Alison, I also found no documented connection between flu shots and shingles. One interesting thing, however, is the caution that people who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome should consult with a doctor before deciding to get a flu shot. Guillain-Barre is an inflammation of the nerves associated with a number of viruses, including the herpes zoster virus. Both have auto-immune connections and nerve connections.
It would be interesting to know whether your friend got the shot or the nasal vaccine; whether she had chickenpox as a child; whether she ever had Guillain Barre syndrome, or whether her immune system has been weakened by another illness.
Here's the CDC page, which also includes links to PDF fact sheets on all vaccinations:
http://www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm
Here's an FDA page on shingles, its symptoms and its characteristics:
http://www.fda.gov/FDAC/features/2001/301_pox.html
Best wishes to you both. Come back and let us know more.
October 13, 2008 - 9:36amThis Comment
Reply