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:
- Pneumonia (lung inflammation)
- Hearing problems
- Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
- Death
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.