Studies have revealed that shingles can happen in young, healthy individuals after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID vaccination has been found to reactivate highly contagious chickenpox virus, according to new studies.
Following the injections of COVID-19, physicians and researchers have noticed an increase in the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), or chickenpox virus, reactivating.
One of the eight herpes viruses that can infect people is the virus that causes chickenpox. The virus that causes chickenpox remains dormant in the nervous system for life after a person experiences it and recovers.
When the chickenpox virus reactivates, it manifests as shingles or herpes zoster (HZ).
Although studies demonstrate that persons who have received the vaccine have a greater incidence of shingles, federal health authorities maintain that there is no connection between COVID-19 vaccinations and shingles.
A case study of six women (out of 491 participants) with an autoimmune condition who experienced shingles 3 to 14 days after getting the first or second dosage of the Pfizer COVID-19 shot was originally published in Israel. 99 participants in the control group did not experience shingles. In April 2021, the report was released in the journal Rheumatology (read below).
“To our knowledge, there were no reports of varicella-like skin rash or HZ in the mRNA-based vaccines COVID-19 clinical trials and our case series is the first one to report this observation in patients within a relatively young age range: 36–61, average age 49 ± 11 years,” the authors wrote.
They hoped that publishing the case series would “raise awareness to a potential causal link between COVID-19 vaccination as a trigger of HZ reactivation in relatively young patients with stable AIIRD [autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases].”
Three healthy males, aged 71, 46, and 42, were reported in a distinct case study from Taiwan to have acquired shingles two to seven days after receiving the first dose of Moderna or AstraZeneca COVID-19 injection.
“HZ does not often appear after the administration of other kinds of vaccinations,” the researchers wrote. “But we believed that there might be a link between COVID-19 vaccine and HZ emergence.”
“One of the reasons is the short delay of onset after vaccination. The other reason is that these three patients were immunocompetent,” they added.
The largest study to date, which used real-world data (pdf) from over two million patients, discovered that the incidence of shingles was higher among those who had received a COVID-19 shot within 60 days than in the unvaccinated group, who were diagnosed with shingles within 60 days of visiting a doctor’s office for any other purpose.
The probability of acquiring shingles was estimated to be 0.20 percent for the group that had received vaccinations vs 0.11 percent for those who hadn’t, and the researchers claim that this “difference was statistically highly significant.”
“Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus appears to be a potential ADR [adverse drug reaction] to COVID-19 vaccines, at least for mRNA LNP-based formulations,” the authors wrote, adding that “vaccination against COVID-19 seems to potentially raise the risk of precipitating HZ [herpes zoster].”
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In April 2022, Dr. Richard Urso, an ophthalmologist and expert in drug design and treatment, said that a significant portion of the three to five patients with long COVID or issues following the COVID-19 shot, “a huge number of them have reactivated Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, CMV.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asserts that it has not found any safety connection between the COVID-19 shots and the increase in shingles cases that followed their introduction.
“FDA has not seen a safety signal for shingles/herpes zoster following administration of the approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines,” Abby Capobianco, FDA press officer said, adding that the agency “will continue to closely monitor the safety of these vaccines.”
The COVID-19 vaccine and the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “there is no current connection.”
Any negative side effects following a COVID-19 vaccination, according to CDC spokesperson Scott Pauley, are just momentary and are an indication that the vaccine is working.
“Some people have side effects from the vaccine, which are normal signs that their body is building protection,” Pauley wrote. “These side effects may affect their ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects, and allergic reactions are rare.”
Adverse Events of Special Interest
In Pfizer’s safety dossier (pdf), which the FDA released in March 2022, shingles is named as one of the 1,291 adverse occurrences of special interest.
According to Dr. Jesse Santiano, an emergency room physician and internist, adverse events of special interest (AESI) are side effects that might be mild or severe but can result in a significant medical condition that healthcare professionals should watch out for following immunization.
“The medical conditions in the list does not mean that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine causes all of those,” Santiano said on May 11. “That’s because we don’t have enough data to make that conclusion, at least not yet.”
Watch the video below:
The list of ailments applies to all COVID-19 vaccinations given worldwide, not just those produced by Pfizer. Whether months or years have passed since receiving a COVID-19 injection, anyone who has done so should report any adverse events to the vaccine manufacturer or the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).
After receiving the COVID-19 shot, the unpleasant rash was first reported to VAERS in December 2020. As of June 10, 2022, there were 1.301 million total COVID-19 reports in the database, of which 13,887 cases involved shingles, according to the most recent VAERS data.
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In contrast, a search for the shingles vaccination or the herpes zoster and influenza vaccines turned up a total of 1,127 cases in the last three decades and more than 18,000 cases in more than 15 years, respectively.
According to the CDC, VAERS reports do not always imply that a negative reaction to the vaccine was its direct cause.
Treatment
Small blisters or a painful, striped rash, which typically appears on one side of the body or the face, are symptoms of shingles.
The following signs and symptoms are frequently present in shingles sufferers: searing and shooting pain; blisters filled with fluid; itchy, tingly, or numb skin; and fever, chills, headache, or upset stomach.
After the blisters appear, the illness often goes away in two to four weeks. However, some people may experience problems like Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which paralyzes the face, post-herpetic neuralgia, or visual or hearing loss.
People with shingles can transmit the virus to those without chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccination when the rash is in the blister stage.
About 1 million Americans suffer shingles each year, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, and “half of the population who lives to 85 years of age will experience shingles during their lifetime.”
The most important risk element for shingles is a weakened or compromised immune system. It is unclear what causes the chickenpox virus to reactivate. The chickenpox virus can reactivate if your immune system is not functioning adequately.
Extreme stress, advanced age, using immunosuppressive medications, as well as specific illnesses and vaccinations, can all raise your risk of developing shingles.
Studies have revealed that shingles can also happen in young, healthy individuals after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, despite the fact that the risk of developing shingles increases for people 50 and older.
Shingles typically manifest as a secondary condition, according to internist Dr. Keith Berkowitz.
“Typically, shingles is never a primary process, it’s usually a secondary process,” Berkowitz said. “It’s something compromising the immune system leading them to develop shingles.”
According to the CDC, shingles treatment should start as soon as the rash emerges and includes one of the three FDA-approved antivirals to “shorten the length and severity of the illness” and nerve pain relievers. Calamine cream, colloidal oatmeal baths, and cold, wet compresses can all help reduce itching.
According to Berkowitz, who recommends them to his patients, shingles can also be treated with dietary supplements including lysine, quercetin, and vitamin D (if consumed early).
He claims that when it pertains to shingles, a person’s body’s lysine to arginine ratio is very crucial.
“The spreading of shingles requires the virus to multiply, and the amino acid arginine that helps the herpes virus replicate. Lysine interferes with arginine and helps prevent herpes from spreading,” Berkowitz said.
Essential amino acids like lysine and arginine are required for the body to produce proteins. Lysine, unlike arginine, cannot be produced by the body on its own and must instead be acquired from specific meals or supplements. Avoiding foods high in arginine, such as nuts and seeds, tofu, and chocolate, among other things, is advised during a shingles outbreak.
According to webmd.com, the natural pigment (flavonoid) quercetin, which is included in many fruits, vegetables, and grains, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that “might help reduce swelling, kill cancer cells, control blood sugar, and help prevent heart disease.” Quercetin “suppresses viral replication” in shingles, according to Berkowitz.
For the entire herpes zoster spectrum, vitamin D “acts as an effect-modifier for the entire herpes zoster spectrum with regard to disease susceptibility, manifestation, the efficacy of pharmacologic management, and emergent complications during treatment,” according to Berkowitz.
Studies have revealed that vitamin D is essential for controlling immune response and inflammation in addition to supporting bone health.
Berkowitz advises taking probiotics like lactobacillus in addition to lysine, quercetin, and vitamin D to perhaps strengthen your immune system.
“Probiotics such as lactobacillus may help to treat herpes by boosting your body’s immune system,” Berkowitz said. “Special peptides are found in lactobacillus and are essential in inducing a rapid immune response in your body. Once activated, the immune system can do its job of protecting your body.”
People who are experiencing shingles symptoms should speak with their doctor about the best course of treatment for them. Anyone who has shingles on their face should consult a doctor right away.
The shingles vaccination is advised by the CDC for adults 19 years of age and older “who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy” in order to avoid the disease.
Five Things New “Preppers” Forget When Getting Ready for Bad Times Ahead
The preparedness community is growing faster than it has in decades. Even during peak times such as Y2K, the economic downturn of 2008, and Covid, the vast majority of Americans made sure they had plenty of toilet paper but didn’t really stockpile anything else.
Things have changed. There’s a growing anxiety in this presidential election year that has prompted more Americans to get prepared for crazy events in the future. Some of it is being driven by fearmongers, but there are valid concerns with the economy, food supply, pharmaceuticals, the energy grid, and mass rioting that have pushed average Americans into “prepper” mode.
There are degrees of preparedness. One does not have to be a full-blown “doomsday prepper” living off-grid in a secure Montana bunker in order to be ahead of the curve. In many ways, preparedness isn’t about being able to perfectly handle every conceivable situation. It’s about being less dependent on government for as long as possible. Those who have proper “preps” will not be waiting for FEMA to distribute emergency supplies to the desperate masses.
Below are five things people new to preparedness (and sometimes even those with experience) often forget as they get ready. All five are common sense notions that do not rely on doomsday in order to be useful. It may be nice to own a tank during the apocalypse but there’s not much you can do with it until things get really crazy. The recommendations below can have places in the lives of average Americans whether doomsday comes or not.
Note: The information provided by this publication or any related communications is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial advice. We do not provide personalized investment, financial, or legal advice.
Secured Wealth
Whether in the bank or held in a retirement account, most Americans feel that their life’s savings is relatively secure. At least they did until the last couple of years when de-banking, geopolitical turmoil, and the threat of Central Bank Digital Currencies reared their ugly heads.
It behooves Americans to diversify their holdings. If there’s a triggering event or series of events that cripple the financial systems or devalue the U.S. Dollar, wealth can evaporate quickly. To hedge against potential turmoil, many Americans are looking in two directions: Crypto and physical precious metals.
There are huge advantages to cryptocurrencies, but there are also inherent risks because “virtual” money can become challenging to spend. Add in the push by central banks and governments to regulate or even replace cryptocurrencies with their own versions they control and the risks amplify. There’s nothing wrong with cryptocurrencies today but things can change rapidly.
As for physical precious metals, many Americans pay cash to keep plenty on hand in their safe. Rolling over or transferring retirement accounts into self-directed IRAs is also a popular option, but there are caveats. It can often take weeks or even months to get the gold and silver shipped if the owner chooses to close their account. This is why Genesis Gold Group stands out. Their relationship with the depositories allows for rapid closure and shipping, often in less than 10 days from the time the account holder makes their move. This can come in handy if things appear to be heading south.
Lots of Potable Water
One of the biggest shocks that hit new preppers is understanding how much potable water they need in order to survive. Experts claim one gallon of water per person per day is necessary. Even the most conservative estimates put it at over half-a-gallon. That means that for a family of four, they’ll need around 120 gallons of water to survive for a month if the taps turn off and the stores empty out.
Being near a fresh water source, whether it’s a river, lake, or well, is a best practice among experienced preppers. It’s necessary to have a water filter as well, even if the taps are still working. Many refuse to drink tap water even when there is no emergency. Berkey was our previous favorite but they’re under attack from regulators so the Alexapure systems are solid replacements.
For those in the city or away from fresh water sources, storage is the best option. This can be challenging because proper water storage containers take up a lot of room and are difficult to move if the need arises. For “bug in” situations, having a larger container that stores hundreds or even thousands of gallons is better than stacking 1-5 gallon containers. Unfortunately, they won’t be easily transportable and they can cost a lot to install.
Water is critical. If chaos erupts and water infrastructure is compromised, having a large backup supply can be lifesaving.
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies
There are multiple threats specific to the medical supply chain. With Chinese and Indian imports accounting for over 90% of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States, deteriorating relations could make it impossible to get the medicines and antibiotics many of us need.
Stocking up many prescription medications can be hard. Doctors generally do not like to prescribe large batches of drugs even if they are shelf-stable for extended periods of time. It is a best practice to ask your doctor if they can prescribe a larger amount. Today, some are sympathetic to concerns about pharmacies running out or becoming inaccessible. Tell them your concerns. It’s worth a shot. The worst they can do is say no.
If your doctor is unwilling to help you stock up on medicines, then Jase Medical is a good alternative. Through telehealth, they can prescribe daily meds or antibiotics that are shipped to your door. As proponents of medical freedom, they empathize with those who want to have enough medical supplies on hand in case things go wrong.
Energy Sources
The vast majority of Americans are locked into the grid. This has proven to be a massive liability when the grid goes down. Unfortunately, there are no inexpensive remedies.
Those living off-grid had to either spend a lot of money or effort (or both) to get their alternative energy sources like solar set up. For those who do not want to go so far, it’s still a best practice to have backup power sources. Diesel generators and portable solar panels are the two most popular, and while they’re not inexpensive they are not out of reach of most Americans who are concerned about being without power for extended periods of time.
Natural gas is another necessity for many, but that’s far more challenging to replace. Having alternatives for heating and cooking that can be powered if gas and electric grids go down is important. Have a backup for items that require power such as manual can openers. If you’re stuck eating canned foods for a while and all you have is an electric opener, you’ll have problems.
Don’t Forget the Protein
When most think about “prepping,” they think about their food supply. More Americans are turning to gardening and homesteading as ways to produce their own food. Others are working with local farmers and ranchers to purchase directly from the sources. This is a good idea whether doomsday comes or not, but it’s particularly important if the food supply chain is broken.
Most grocery stores have about one to two weeks worth of food, as do most American households. Grocers rely heavily on truckers to receive their ongoing shipments. In a crisis, the current process can fail. It behooves Americans for multiple reasons to localize their food purchases as much as possible.
Long-term storage is another popular option. Canned foods, MREs, and freeze dried meals are selling out quickly even as prices rise. But one component that is conspicuously absent in shelf-stable food is high-quality protein. Most survival food companies offer low quality “protein buckets” or cans of meat, but they are often barely edible.
Prepper All-Naturals offers premium cuts of steak that have been cooked sous vide and freeze dried to give them a 25-year shelf life. They offer Ribeye, NY Strip, and Tenderloin among others.
Having buckets of beans and rice is a good start, but keeping a solid supply of high-quality protein isn’t just healthier. It can help a family maintain normalcy through crises.
Prepare Without Fear
With all the challenges we face as Americans today, it can be emotionally draining. Citizens are scared and there’s nothing irrational about their concerns. Being prepared and making lifestyle changes to secure necessities can go a long way toward overcoming the fears that plague us. We should hope and pray for the best but prepare for the worst. And if the worst does come, then knowing we did what we could to be ready for it will help us face those challenges with confidence.
