Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The condition comes with severe nerve pain and a rash that lasts 2-4 weeks, however the pain can linger for years. If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in your body and can reactivate years later as shingles.
Shingles can disrupt daily life, cause severe pain, and lead to long-term complications. Vaccination, early symptom recognition, and prompt treatment are key to reducing risk and protecting your quality of life.
What Is the Shingles Virus?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. After chickenpox resolves, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue. It can reactivate later in life, especially during periods of stress, illness, aging, or a weakened immune system. Shingles most commonly affects adults over 50, but it can occur at any age.
Common Shingles Symptoms
Shingles symptoms usually affect one side of the body. The first sign of shingles is often pain commonly occurring around eyes, mouth, shoulders, ribs, waist and/or side of face. Common symptoms can include the following.
Burning, stabbing, or tingling pain
Sensitivity to touch
Red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters
Itching or numbness
Fever, headache, fatigue, or chills
Although we often think of a visible rash in association with shingles, a rash may never develop. One of the most serious complications is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is chronic nerve pain that can last months or even years after the rash heals. The risk of PHN increases with age.
How Is Shingles Treated?
There is no cure for shingles, but early treatment can significantly reduce symptom severity and complications.
Shingles treatment options include the following.
Antiviral medications (most effective within 72 hours of rash onset)
Pain relief, including over the counter or prescription medications
Topical treatments such as calamine lotion or cool compresses
Rest and hydration to support immune recovery
If you suspect shingles, contact a healthcare provider right away because prompt care is critical.
Shingles Vaccine Offers Prevention and Protection
The most effective way to prevent shingles is vaccination. The Shingrix® vaccine is recommended by the CDC for:
Adults 50 years and older
Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems
Shingrix is given in two doses and is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and complications like postherpetic neuralgia. Even if you’ve had shingles before, vaccination can help prevent future outbreaks.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your risk factors and whether the shingles vaccine is right for you.
About RevanRx
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We hope to increase patient adherence and access to care for those who would otherwise not feel comfortable receiving medications or medication counseling in a public setting, avoiding embarrassing public conversations, misgendering, or refusal of service. Visit us at Revanrx.com and like us on Facebook.