The Costco Connection - December 2017

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/ S H UT T ER S TO CK

UPDATE

PharmacyCOSTCO

SHINGLES IS A PAINFUL, blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingrix is a new vaccine approved to prevent shingles.

Administered in a series of two shots given two to six months apart, Shingrix has been more than 90 percent effective in preventing shingles and associated long-term nerve pain in clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Shingrix for use in patients 50 and older.

This vaccine includes an ingredient to boost the immune response; the clinical trials show that because of this the protection is stronger and longer lasting. Shingrix is generally well tolerated, with pain at the injection site listed as the most common side effect. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is recommending that everyone 50 and older receive this vaccine series; if you have already received Zostavax, the CDC is recommending revaccination with Shingrix.

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, and almost one out of three people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. The chickenpox virus stays dormant in your nervous system and can reactivate as shingles. The shingles rash usually lasts for two to four weeks, and some people experience serious complications such as pneumonia, hearing or vision loss, or long-term nerve pain. The best way to decrease your risk of getting shingles and its complications is by getting vaccinated.

Shingrix is now available in the U.S. Call or stop by your local Costco Pharmacy to check availability. Age restrictions vary by state.

SHINGLES PREVENTION

FDA approves new vaccine Shingrix

HEALTH CONSULTATION

Preparing for travel risks

AS YOU PLAN for international travel, don’t forget to include a pre-travel health evaluation. A pre-travel consultation can help you determine any health risks based on your itinerary and activities, make sure that you are up to date on routine vaccinations and provide tips on how to stay healthy during your trip.

More than 25 percent of travelers report an illness during international travel, according to an article in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM; NEJM.org). Most are mild and self-lim-iting, such as diarrhea or respiratory infections. However, some travelers contract preventable infections during their trip. The NEJM also reports that up to 80 percent of people don’t seek pre-travel health advice.

You should complete your travel consultation four to six weeks before your trip. A thorough travel consultation will review your medical history and itinerary and provide recommendations on the following issues.

Routine vaccines. People who have not received all of their routine vaccines may be at risk for diseases while traveling abroad. There are widespread outbreaks of measles, mumps and pertussis (whooping cough) in developed and undeveloped countries.

Travel vaccines and medications.

Certain vaccines, such as those for hepatitis A and typhoid, are routinely recommended for most travelers. Depending on the destination, some vaccines or medications are required, including vaccines for yellow fever and meningitis, or medications to prevent malaria. The recommendations will be personalized for your itinerary and activities.

Other travel-related illnesses. Traveler’s diarrhea affects up to 40 percent of travelers. Standard treatment includes oral hydration and over-the-counter antidiar-rheal medications. An antibiotic may be warranted if there is no response to standard treatment.

Altitude sickness can occur when traveling to high-altitude destinations, especially if the ascent is rapid. Medications are available to prevent altitude sickness from occurring.

Safety and prevention. A travel consultation will also provide information on how to stay healthy and safe while you travel, and what to do if you get ill after you return. Typically, the travel consultation will include educational materials on food and water precautions, in addition to good personal safety practices and information on ho w to protect yourself against insect bites and other travel-related hazards. Pack a personal first-aid kit as well as information on medical facilities at your destination.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT COSTCO PHARMACY, CLICK ON THE “PHARMACY” LINK
AT COSTCO.COM OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL COSTCO PHARMACIST.

A little bit of planning can help ensure your trip is healthy and safe. Costco Pharmacy offers routine vaccinations; availability and age restrictions vary by state. Costco Pharmacy also offers full-service travel consultations in all Idaho, Oregon, Washington state and Southern California locations. For additional details, please visit Costco.com and click on “Pharmacy” or contact your local Costco Pharmacy.