Shingles

The Shingles vaccine is designed to protect you against developing shingles.

Disease and transmission – Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chicken pox. Once a chicken pox has resolved, the virus remains dormant within the nerves and nervous system. Later in life the virus can reactivate which causes shingles. The risk and severity of shingles increases with age. Individuals with active lesions can transmit VZV to susceptible individuals to cause chickenpox. Approximately one in four people will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Symptoms – Generally shingles starts with a headache or feeling generally unwell, with tingling or a pain in a certain area of skin. The rash then develops within a few days. The rash is painful, and usually contains fluid-filled blisters; it is a painful rash, that occur anywhere on the body, including around the eye, although the most common site is the side of the abdomen.

Prevention – There is a vaccine available to prevent shingles. If you have shingles you are contagious until the last blister has dried and scabbed. To avoid the virus being passed on avoid sharing towels, going swimming or playing contact sports. It is advisable to avoid work or school if the rash is weeping and is unable to be covered - this is because chicken pox can be particularly dangerous for certain people such as those with a weakened immune system, women who are pregnant or babies (especially for babies under one month old).

Treatment – In most cases shingles is not serious, however if identified early then antiviral drugs may be appropriate.

Vaccination - The shingles vaccination is given from 70-79 on the NHS. It appears to be less effective in those over 80 years old. It is given once and does not need to be repeated.