What Is Shingles?
Many people think chickenpox is something you only have to worry about once. However, the virus that causes chickenpox can remain in your body for decades and reactivate later in life as shingles.
Shingles is a painful condition that can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox. While it often starts as a rash, shingles can have lasting effects, including severe nerve pain that may persist long after the rash has healed.
The good news is that shingles is preventable, and vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk.
What Causes Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in nerve tissue near the spinal cord and brain.
Years later, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles.
Healthcare experts do not fully understand why the virus reactivates in some people and not others. However, increasing age and a weakened immune system are known risk factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?
Common shingles symptoms include:
- Burning, tingling or pain on one side of the body
- A red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
- Itching
- Sensitivity to touch
- Headache
- Fever
- Fatigue
The rash typically appears on one side of the body or face and follows the path of an affected nerve.
For some people, pain may begin several days before the rash appears.
Why Is Shingles More Than Just a Rash?
Many people recover from shingles within a few weeks. However, complications can occur.
One of the most common complications is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where nerve pain continues long after the rash has disappeared.
This pain can be severe and may last for months or even years, affecting sleep, daily activities and quality of life.
In some cases, shingles can also affect the eyes and lead to vision complications if not treated promptly.
Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Shingles?
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but the risk increases with age.
People at higher risk include:
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- People with weakened immune systems
- People receiving certain medical treatments that affect immunity
- Individuals with medical conditions that compromise immune function
According to the CDC, the risk of shingles increases as people get older. [cdc.gov]
Can Shingles Be Prevented?
Yes. The most effective way to help prevent shingles is through vaccination.
While maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports overall immune health, vaccination provides targeted protection against the virus that causes shingles. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
Because the virus already exists within the body of people who have had chickenpox, prevention focuses on reducing the risk of reactivation and minimizing the risk of complications.
What Is the Shingles Vaccine?
Shingrix® is a vaccine designed to help protect against shingles and its complications.
International guidelines recommend shingles vaccination for:
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Certain adults with weakened immune systems
The vaccine is administered as two doses, typically given 2 to 6 months apart. [cdc.gov]
Studies have shown that Shingrix® is highly effective in reducing the risk of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. [cdc.gov]
Should You Consider Shingles Vaccination?
You may benefit from discussing shingles vaccination with a healthcare professional if:
- You are 50 years or older
- You have previously had chickenpox
- You have a weakened immune system
- You would like to reduce your risk of shingles and long-term nerve pain
A healthcare professional can advise whether shingles vaccination is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
- It commonly causes a painful rash and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain.
- Adults over 50 and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
- Shingles is preventable.
- Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications.
- Shingrix® is administered as two doses and is available at participating healthcare facilities. [cdc.gov], [cdc.gov]
Concerned about your risk of shingles?
Speak to the team at Intercare Bedfordview about shingles prevention and whether the Shingrix® vaccine may be suitable for you.
Book an appointment today.
