Shingles is a painful condition caused by the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t fully leave the body. Instead, it lies dormant in the nerves and can reactivate years later as shingles, especially when the immune system is weaker.
At Kent Family Medical, we are often asked about shingles symptoms, whether it is contagious, and how to prevent it.
Below, we cover everything you need to know.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, usually appears later in life but can affect younger adults, too.
It occurs when the varicella zoster virus reactivates in the nerve roots, causing pain and a blistering rash along the affected nerve pathway.
Shingles Symptoms
Common shingles symptoms include:
- Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in one area of the body
- A red rash that develops a few days after the pain begins
- Blisters that form in a band or stripe, usually on one side of the torso, face, or eye
- Sensitivity to touch and itching
- Fever, fatigue, or headache in some cases
Pain is often the first sign and can be severe, sometimes lasting even after the rash heals. This lingering nerve pain is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
How Do You Get Shingles?
Shingles develops when the dormant chickenpox virus inside your body reactivates. It is not caused by catching the virus from another person.
Factors that may trigger shingles include:
- Increasing age
- Weakened immune system (e.g., from illness, stress, or medications)
- Injury or surgery near the affected nerve
Is Shingles Contagious?
In part, yes – but it’s a little more complicated than that:
- You cannot catch shingles itself from someone else.
- However, if someone who has never had chickenpox (or the chickenpox vaccine) comes into direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters, they can develop chickenpox.
To reduce the risk of spreading infection, people with shingles should keep the rash covered, avoid scratching, and wash their hands regularly.
Who Is Most at Risk From Shingles?
Shingles can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox, but the risk increases with age. It is most common in people over 50.
Those with weakened immune systems, such as people undergoing chemotherapy, taking long-term steroids, or living with conditions that lower immunity, are also at higher risk.
Complications of Shingles
Most people recover fully from shingles, but complications can occur, especially in older adults. These may include:
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN): Persistent nerve pain lasting months or even years after the rash clears
- Eye complications: If shingles affects the eye, it can cause vision problems or even permanent damage if not treated quickly
- Skin infections: Scratching blisters can lead to bacterial infection
- Neurological issues: In rare cases, shingles can cause encephalitis (brain inflammation) or hearing problems.
Shingles Treatment
If shingles does occur, prompt treatment can make a big difference:
- Antiviral medication: Starting treatment such as aciclovir within 72 hours of the rash appearing can shorten the illness, reduce severity, and lower the risk of complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen) are often recommended, while more severe cases may require prescription pain medication.
- Skin care: Keeping the rash clean and covered helps prevent bacterial infections and reduces the chance of passing chickenpox to others. Calamine lotion or cool compresses can also help soothe itching.
- Rest and hydration: Adequate rest and fluids support the body’s recovery.
Most people recover fully within a few weeks, but if you notice shingles near the eye, severe pain, or symptoms that spread widely, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Shingles Prevention
The most effective way to prevent shingles is through vaccination, but lifestyle choices and self-care also play a role in lowering your risk:
- Vaccination: The Shingrix vaccine offers strong and long-lasting protection and is available on the NHS for those over 65 or privately for others.
- Support your immune system: A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of the virus reactivating. Eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking all help your immune system function well.
- Manage stress: Stress is a known trigger for shingles. Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or simple breathing exercises may help reduce stress-related immune suppression.
Although no prevention method is 100% guaranteed, combining vaccination with good overall health practices gives the best protection.
Shingles and Vaccination
The good news is that vaccination greatly reduces the risk of shingles and its complications.
- The NHS is currently rolling out the shingles vaccine for people aged 65 and over, with eligibility phased by date of birth.
- The newer recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is now used. It offers stronger, longer-lasting protection than the older live vaccine (Zostavax).
- Shingrix is given as two doses, two to six months apart, and can be used safely in people with weakened immune systems.
- Early research also suggests that Shingrix may have additional health benefits, including a reduced risk of dementia, although more evidence is needed.
For those not yet eligible on the NHS, or who would like protection sooner, shingles vaccination is available privately.
Final Thoughts
Shingles can be extremely painful and sometimes lead to long-term complications.
While it cannot be passed from person to person in the same way as chickenpox, it’s important to understand how shingles starts, what symptoms to watch for, and who is most at risk.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles and reduce the chance of lasting nerve pain.
At Kent Family Medical, we provide private shingles vaccination for patients who want peace of mind before they are eligible on the NHS.
If you’d like advice or to arrange an appointment, please contact our team.