I am 43 and just was just diagnosed with shingles, one week after getting the combined seasonal and H1N1 shot. I saw the previous thread on this topic and it really makes me think there is a link...has any research been published to suggest a link?
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The link between the flu shot and shingles is purely coincidental, as shingles is caused by a virus. It is said that up to 50% of adults will have shingles (in other words: it is common). The flu shot is common, also, and there is no cause-and-effect link. If you have certain conditions, however, the virus that causes shingles can be "reactivated" in your body by a vaccination (if you were exposed to the virus previously). See below for more information.
I'm not sure if you read this specific thread, as it contains all the information you need to know: http://www.empowher.com/community/ask/can-flu-shot-lead-shingles?page=1
"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.
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."
October 24, 2010 - 12:16pmThis Comment
Sorry to intrude on your site, I male, 59 and have shingles after recieving the flu shot. Recived the shot on 10.14.2010 and was diagnosed by my Doctor on 10.20.2010. Before seeing my Docor I visited Urgent Care for ear, throat, and scalp pain. Then went to the Emergency Room for Scalp pain and for numbness & tingling on my left cheek and back of my left hand.
Please contact a men's website to compare notes and go to CDC or someone that can look in to this. How about the media?
Thanks for your website, Bob (Westore)
October 25, 2010 - 7:27amHi Westore,
October 25, 2010 - 12:37pmI'm sorry you had that situation after getting the flu shot. What did they diagnose at Urgent Care and the Emergency Room? Did you receive any other vaccinations recently? I'm also wondering if you have any other conditions besides for the current shingles outbreak. Do you know anyone else who has ever had shingles? Did you have chicken pox as a child? Please let us know whatever you're comfortable sharing--your experience may be able to help someone else with similar circumstances.
Hope your illness clears up quickly. I understand it can be very painful.
34 male
November 3, 2010 - 12:08pmI also got the flu shot last month and within a couple of weeks had shingles. I've had chicken pox (twice -yes really- as a child) and no other recent meds or vaccinations.
I'm sorry that happened. I hope you are on the mend with the shingles outbreak. Do you happen to know if you have a latex allergy or any similar skin allergies? just curious.
November 3, 2010 - 12:20pmI am a 52 year old male and had shingles when I was 48. Not a pleasant experience. 3 weeks ago my doctor made a good enough case to me for a flu shot that I decided to get my first ever flu shot. Normally I do not get the flu or get it where it is not really bad. So now three weeks later here come the shingles again. Coincedence?
November 24, 2010 - 8:07amI'm sorry that happened. I hope you are on the mend with the shingles outbreak. Do you happen to know if you have a latex allergy or any similar skin allergies? just curious.
Also, there is a vaccine to prevent or reduce severity of shingles outbreaks (I realize this may not excite you given your current experience). Here is that information to help you advocate for yourself with your doctor:
November 24, 2010 - 8:36amMayo Clinic: Shingles Vaccine
Good luck and let us know if you have other health questions.
I don't think it's concidental. I am 42 years old, very healthy and I got Shingles three days after I got my Flu (season+h1n1). Something is going on here.
February 10, 2011 - 11:29amThe causes of Chicken Pox are the same for Shingles since they both are derivatives of the same Vermicelli virus. For anyone that has suffered form chicken pox, the possibility of contracting Shingles is a possibility, especially during middle to old age.
March 7, 2011 - 1:48amCauses Of Chicken Pox
I think you meant to say varicella-zoster virus, not vermicelli.
March 7, 2011 - 8:29amHere is the Centers for Disease Control page on the virus and well-known illnesses it causes (chicken pox & shingles):
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/list_varicl.htm