This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

[Frank]

Hello,

in the context of possible viral causes/triggers of MS, would you think that it might be usefull for me to get a VZV vaccination?

Though I'm already infected with VZV, the vaccine showed, that it lowers the severety of a new active VZV infection.

Thanks for your suggestions.
--Frank

[lyndacarol]

Frank--I believe in the US this vaccination is given to prevent shingles in older people; in fact, I think doctors will only give it to people 60 years and older. I have not heard of anyone getting it for a suspected connection to MS (There may be studies investigating it.). It may be handled differently in Germany.

[TwistedHelix]

Hello Frank,
I don't know of any studies which have looked into this, but by coincidence in the last few days I posted an article which seems relevant. It points out that even inactive herpes viruses can trigger human endogenous retroviruses into action, which may be one of the steps in the development of MS, so being vaccinated against something you already carry might not be very useful. Obviously it's up to you, and if your doctor thinks it won't do any harm I don't see why you shouldn't give it a go.
The link to my post is here:
http://www.thisisms.com/ftopict-3986.html