Shingles Symptoms – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
The virus remains dormant in the body after a person has had chickenpox. It can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
Key Facts About Shingles:
- Shingles typically affects one side of the body or face.
- Early symptoms can resemble the flu, making diagnosis difficult.
- Painful, blistering rash appears in a band-like pattern.
- Shingles can cause long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia).
- Weakened immune systems increase the risk of reactivation.
- A shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the risk.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of shingles can be mistaken for other conditions. These symptoms include a headache, sensitivity to light, and flu-like symptoms.
The most noticeable symptom is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. The rash usually forms a band-like pattern.
The rash then turns into fluid-filled blisters and takes several weeks to heal. The pain from shingles can be severe. Some people also experience itching, tingling, and burning sensations.
The pain and discomfort can last for weeks, months, or even years after the rash has healed.
Vaccination
The shingles vaccine is a preventive measure, not a treatment for active shingles infections. It is recommended for adults 50 and older and for those 19 and older with weakened immune systems.
Get vaccinated even if you’ve had shingles, received a shingles vaccine, or are unsure about your chickenpox history.
While the vaccine significantly lowers the risk and severity of shingles, it does not provide complete immunity. Research shows that it offers protection for more than five years.
Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia, a painful complication of shingles.
Common Side Effects:
- Redness at injection site
- Pain where the shot was given
- Swelling around the injection area
- Fatigue
- Headache
It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before vaccination if you:
- Have had allergic reactions to vaccine components
- Have a weakened immune system from medical conditions or medications
- Have undergone stem-cell transplantation
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
Protection against shingles is important, as the risk increases with age and in individuals with weakened immune systems.
