Top Class Actions’s website and social media posts use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using such links, we may receive a commission, but it will not result in any additional charges to you. Please review our Affiliate Link Disclosure for more information.
Shingles Overview
Recent complaints and lawsuits from patients who have suffered complications from the shingles vaccine Zostavax claim that the vaccination may cause a variety of harmful health side effects, including the very condition the shot is meant to prevent.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a very common condition affecting approximately 1 million people every year in the United States. The condition will affect approximately 30 percent of people in the U.S. at some point in their lifetime. Shingles is caused by the same virus that also causes chickenpox.
After someone develops chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body for many years according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Even though it does not present as any symptoms, the virus is still there. As people get older, many factors may cause the virus to reactivate, including age, immune conditions including cancer or HIV, or stress.
Symptoms
Shingles generally presents as a painful and blistery rash that covers one side of the body. These blisters scab over after a week or so, and the rash usually lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. Many people experience pain, itching, or tingling along with the rash. While most shingles rashes occur as a single stripe across one side of the body, some cases of shingles may be extreme and cover the entire body.
Other symptoms of shingles may include fever, chills, headache, or upset stomach.
Causes
Shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After this virus lies dormant in the body for many years, it may reemerge as shingles. Adults are more likely to develop shingles as they get older. While it is unknown what exactly causes the virus to reactivate and cause shingles to develop, it is suspected that several factors may be at play.
Treatment
Several antiviral medications, including acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir have been approved to shorten the length of the shingles rash. Analgesics may be effective to reduce the pain caused by the rash, and wet compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths may help to reduce the itching.
Additionally, Zostavax and other shingles vaccinations may prevent people from developing shingles. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that adults over age 50 get vaccinated for shingles. However, Zostavax may cause additional complications and health effects. Many patients who have filed lawsuits against the manufacturer, Merck, claim that the vaccine caused them to develop shingles.
Complications
While most cases of shingles resolve on their own within a few weeks, in some extreme cases, serious health complications may occur. Complications of shingles may include vision loss, blindness, pneumonia, hearing problems, brain inflammation or encephalitis, and death.
Lawsuits
Many victims who have developed shingles after being injected with Zostavax or another shingles vaccine have filed lawsuits seeking accountability and compensation. Hiring a qualified attorney to assist you in your case may make it more likely for you to recover damages including financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and injuries due to shingles or a shingles vaccination.
