Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection no one wants. Intense pain and rash are just part of it. Here’s what it is, why it happens, who’s at risk, and how to protect or treat it.
Shingles is caused by the varicella – zoster virus, the same as for chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in nerve cells and can come back as shingles when your immune system weakens or you’re stressed.
Who’s at Risk?
- People who’ve had chickenpox. Especially:
- Those with a weak immune system (from cancer, HIV, organ transplants, chemo).
- People over 50.
- Those who’ve been ill.
- People who’ve had trauma.
- People under stress.
Early Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Light sensitivity
- Stomach upset
A few days later, more symptoms show:
- Itching, tingling, or burning on skin.
- Skin redness in the affected area.
- A raised rash.
- Blisters that burst and crust over.
- Mild to severe pain in the affected skin.
Shingles can lead to serious problems like post – herpetic neuralgia, bacterial infections, nerve paralysis, or virus spread to other organs.
Good News: There’s a Vaccine
The Shingrix (recombinant herpes zoster vaccine) can reduce the risk of shingles and its complications.
Treatment
There’s no cure, but treatments can control symptoms. Antiviral meds like Acyclovir, Famciclovir, Valacyclovir, if started within 72 hours, can ease discomfort and speed recovery, and lower the risk of post – herpetic neuralgia. Over – the – counter pain relievers like Paracetamol and Ibuprofen can help with pain. If there’s a bacterial infection, antibiotics are used. Anti – inflammatory meds like prednisone are for cases affecting eyes or face.
Warning: Don’t self – medicate. See a doctor.
Shingles isn’t contagious, but the virus is. If you have shingles, you can pass the virus to those who’ve never had chickenpox or the vaccine. They’ll get chickenpox, not shingles.
Precautions if You Have Shingles
- Cover the rash.
- Wash hands often.
- Avoid close contact with vulnerable people (infants, pregnant women, those with weak immune systems). This helps protect others from the virus.