What is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has recovered from chickenpox, the virus remains in the body but stays dormant (inactive). At any point later in life, the virus can become active again, causing shingles.

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, causes a painful rash or blisters. It does not usually cause serious complications, but it can be very uncomfortable. About one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Shingles is not spread from person to person. However, if you have direct contact with the fluid from an infected person’s blister, you can pick up VZV. You can then get chickenpox if you’ve never had it or never received the chickenpox vaccine. You then could develop shingles later in life.

Shingles is more common in older people. Children who have had chickenpox can get shingles, but the risk increases with age. Covering the infected area is usually enough to protect the virus from spreading.

What are the symptoms and complications of shingles?

Shingles causes a painful rash that can develop anywhere on the body, but it usually appears on one side of the face or torso. Before the rash shows up, people typically have pain, itching or tingling in the area where it will develop. This can be several days before the rash appears.

Other symptoms of shingles include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach

About 10 to 18 percent of people who get shingles will develop long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN occurs in the areas where the rash developed and can last for months or years after shingles clears up. Older adults with shingles are more likely to develop PHN.

When shingles develops on the face, it can cause serious complications with the eye, including blindness.

Although rare, shingles can also lead to other complications:

The shingles vaccine may help prevent shingles.

Who should get the shingles vaccine?

A vaccine, Shingrix, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for use in the United States.

The CDC recommends two doses of the vaccine in adults 50 years of age and older to prevent shingles and any related complications. It is also recommended for adults 19 years of age and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.

The two vaccine doses should be given two to six months apart. It is recommended to get the Shingrix vaccine even if you have had shingles already.

Is the shingles vaccine safe?

The shingles vaccine is safe and effective. The vaccine helps your immune system protect your body against shingles.

Studies showed the vaccine was 97 percent effective at preventing shingles in adults 50 to 69 years of age. The vaccine also helps reduce long-term and serious complications from shingles, including PHN.

Most people who get the shingles vaccine do not experience any side effects. For those who do, side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Side effects can include pain or soreness at the spot of the injection or headaches.