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Many people are surprised to learn that an illness they had in childhood could come back later in life in a completely different form. This is what happens with herpes zoster infection which is also more commonly known as shingles virus infection. The condition starts with pain or a tingling feeling in one part of the body, which then turns into a red patch or blisters. Some people also describe it as a burning sensation that increases over time. Shingles is more common in older adults, but it can affect young people as well.
In recent years, the shingles vaccine has become an important tool to prevent shingles virus from appearing in many people. In this blog, a leading paediatrician in Hebbal, Bengaluru, discusses many of the crucial details about shingles, its symptoms, treatment, prevention, and vaccination.
Synopsis
What is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox, namely the varicella-zoster virus. The medical name for Shingles is herpes zoster infection. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the herpes virus stays dormant in the body. In some people, the virus can become active again after many years and lead to the development of shingles.
Some key points to understand about herpes zoster symptoms include:
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It usually affects one side of the body
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A painful rash appears in a band-like pattern
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It often begins with burning, itching, or tingling before the rash
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Blisters may form and scab over in a few days
Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles doesn’t always start with something you can see. People often describe a strange discomfort before anything shows up on the skin. Here are some commonly reported shingles virus symptoms:
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A tingling or burning feeling in one area of the body. Quite often it is on the chest, back, or face. This sensation can be mild or quite painful, and tends to stay on just one side.
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A red rash appears a few days later in a band-like shape. The skin becomes irritated, and small blisters may start forming in clusters.
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The blisters eventually break and scab over within a week or so. This stage can be itchy and sore, and the skin takes time to heal.
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The area stays sensitive, and many people say even loose clothing or a light touch feels uncomfortable.
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Some also feel tired or feverish in the beginning, which makes it easy to mistake for something more routine, like the flu.
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In some cases, the pain doesn’t go away even after the rash clears. This long-term nerve pain is called postherpetic neuralgia, and it can last for months.
Who is at Risk of Getting Shingles?
Anyone who’s had chickenpox at some point in life can get shingles. But some people are more likely to experience it than others. Age plays a big role, and so does the condition of your immune system. Here are a few common risk factors and herpes zoster causes:
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If you’re over 50, your chances go up because your immune defenses naturally slow down with age.
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People with low immunity. This can be those on cancer treatment, organ transplant meds, or living with HIV.
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Even chronic stress or recovering from a serious illness can tip the balance.
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If you had chickenpox as a child, that same virus is still in your body and can reactivate at any time later.
Complications of Shingles
Shingles usually goes away in a few weeks. But for some people, it can have long-term effects. If the virus affects deeper nerves or sensitive areas like the face or eyes, it can lead to more serious issues. Although long-term effects don’t happen to everyone, the delay of treatment can increase the risks. Some of the common complications include:
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Postherpetic neuralgia, which is ongoing nerve pain, is common. It can stick around long after the rash disappears.
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Eye trouble, if the rash is near or in the eye. In some cases, it can even affect vision.
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Weakness in the face or hearing issues, especially when the outbreak is near the ear.
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Skin infections, when the blisters break and the skin doesn’t heal properly.
Vaccine for Shingles
The good news is that shingles can be prevented or made much less severe with the help of a vaccine. Over the years, the shingles vaccine has been the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting the condition in older adults or those with weakened immunity.
The most widely used vaccine today is called Shingrix, which is a non-live, recombinant vaccine that strengthens your body’s ability to fight off the shingles virus. It’s safe even for people with low immunity. It works by boosting your body’s ability to fight off the varicella-zoster virus. Here’s what you need to know Shingrix Vaccine:
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Who should take it: Adults aged 50 and above are strongly advised to get vaccinated. It’s also recommended for those 18 and older with a weakened immune system.
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How it’s given: The vaccine is given as two doses, usually spaced two to six months apart, injected into the upper arm.
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Common side effects: Some people may experience redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. Fatigue, mild fever, or headaches are also common but usually go away in a few days.
Closing Thoughts
Shingles can be unpredictable and also have long-lasting symptoms in some people. But the good part is, it can often be prevented. If you’re over 50 or have a weakened immune system, now is a good time to talk to your doctor about the shingles vaccine. Protecting yourself against the shingles virus today can prevent long-term health challenges tomorrow.
At Manipal Hospital Hebbal, our expert paediatrician is here to guide you through every step from consultation to vaccination. Book an appointment today and take a simple step towards protecting your health for the future.
FAQ's
The shingles rash usually appears as a red, patchy band on one side of the body. It commonly occurs with clusters of fluid-filled blisters. It typically lasts for 2 to 4 weeks and can be painful.
Shingles treatment often includes antiviral medicines to reduce the severity and duration of the illness. Pain relief, soothing lotions, and rest also help manage discomfort while the body heals.
Shingles adult vaccination is recommended for anyone aged 50 and above, and for adults 18+ with weakened immune systems. The vaccine has two doses and is quite effective in preventing complications.
You can't catch shingles from someone else. But the virus can spread from a person with active blisters to someone who’s never had chickenpox.
In majority of the cases, shingles is self-limiting and goes away in a few weeks. But for some people, it can have long-term effects, hence, timely treatment is warranted.
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