Vaccinations
Vaccines provide protection against serious illnesses and diseases like cervical cancer. At GMCClinics, we provide a wide range of vaccines for both adults and children. For advice on immunization for your child, please see one of our Paediatricians. Adults can see any of our GP’s or Family Medicine Specialists for detailed information on the recommended vaccines for every day life and during travel.
Make sure you and your family are well informed and get protected.
The Main Vaccinations We Provide Are:
Shingles: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus causes chickenpox in children, but after the physical symptoms and infection by VZV have resolved, the virus stays dormant in the body. In some cases, the virus may reactivate in adulthood and cause shingles. More than a million cases of shingles are diagnosed worldwide every year, with approximately 10% of people who had chickenpox as a child developing shingles in adulthood.
Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles develop in two phases. The early phase is marked by general malaise and other constitutional symptoms. The later phase is marked by more severe symptoms of shingles. Early symptoms of shingles include fever, chills, headache, feeling tired or fatigued, sensitivity to light, and upset stomach. These symptoms are followed by dermatological symptoms after a couple of days, such as an itching, tingling, or burning feeling, redness on the skin in the affected area, raised rash in a small area of your skin, fluid-filled blisters that break open and then scab over, and mild to severe pain in the area of the skin affected.
Risk Factors of Shingles
There are certain factors that increase the risk of shingles in people with a history of chickenpox, including:
- Immunocompromised patients or patients with the weak immune system
- Age over 50 years
- Facial trauma
- History of sickness
- Stress
Prevention of Shingles
There are various ways to reduce the risk of developing shingles, such as getting vaccinated, which is the most effective way to prevent shingles. The vaccine, known as the shingles vaccine, is recommended for individuals aged 50 years or older. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and avoiding contact with people who have chickenpox or shingles can also help prevent shingles.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a painful rash that affects many people, particularly those over 50 years of age. The virus that causes shingles is the same one that causes chickenpox, and it can lie dormant in the body for years before reactivating. The good news is that there is a vaccine that can help prevent shingles. The shingles vaccine is recommended for people over 50 years of age, and it is available at GMC Clinics.
Getting vaccinated against shingles is important for several reasons. First, it can help prevent the painful rash that is associated with the condition. Shingles can be quite uncomfortable and can last for several weeks, so it’s important to take steps to avoid it. Second, the vaccine can help reduce the risk of complications associated with shingles, such as postherpetic neuralgia, which is a chronic pain condition that can occur after a shingles outbreak. Finally, getting vaccinated can also help protect others who may be at risk for shingles, such as young children or people with weakened immune systems.
If you are over 50 years of age, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about getting the shingles vaccine. At GMC Clinics, we offer the vaccine in a safe and comfortable environment. Our experienced medical professionals will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you decide if the vaccine is right for you. Don’t wait until it’s too late – get vaccinated today and protect yourself against shingles.
Book your vaccine appointment
Doctors Practicing General Practice
Doctors offering Vaccinations
Insurance Partners
