When varicella-roster reactivates, adults can get shingles. The rash develops as a stripe of blisters around one side of your body. Elderly adults (age 70 and above) may have weakened immune systems and are more at risk for complications.
Flu
This vaccine might be the one that you sought out and received within the past couple years. With the rise of the “Minute Clinic” at CVS, it is easier than ever to get your annual flu shot. Since the flu virus mutates each year, it unfortunately means you have to get the shot year after year.
As soon as you see the signs advertising its availability, get yours. If they’re in high demand, you run the risk of a shortage. Following the flu shot, don’t be surprised if you feel a little icky (headache, fatigue) for the rest of the day after you get it. For most people, that is the extent of the side effects, which are much more preferable to missing an entire week of work if you get the flu.
Hepatitis A/Hepatitis B
If you didn’t get Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B shots as a child, then you may be due for them as an adult -- but only if certain lifestyle or health factors apply to you.
Hepatitis A is a liver disease that is usually contracted by contact with the stool of an infected person. If you are caring for an elderly person or child who has Hepatitis A and particles of feces make their way into your body via food or water, then you are at risk for contracting the disease. Hepatitis A is also related to unsanitary living conditions that you might frequent if you travel to a third-world country.
As for Hepatitis B, it also attacks the liver and can cause cirrhosis. Unlike Hep A, you can’t get Hep B through food and water. Instead, the carrier must exchange body fluids with someone who doesn’t have it for it to be transmitted.