Your guide to understanding shingles

Have you had chickenpox in your lifetime? You’re at risk for shingles. Shingles is a painful and contagious skin rash caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. The rash can appear anywhere on the body or face but most frequently shows up as a stripe of blisters on one side of the torso.

About 1 million people in the United States get shingles every year, and more than 1 in 3 will get shingles in their lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about this common illness, also known as herpes zoster.

What causes shingles in adults?

After chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your nerve tissue and can wake up years later as shingles. The risk of getting shingles increases as you get older, especially after age 50. For reasons unknown, women have a slightly higher risk of getting shingles than men, according to the American Medical Association.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Shingles is best known for an itchy or tingly red rash that turns into a cluster of painful blisters on one side of the body. Early signs of shingles can include fever, headache, and a burning or tingling feeling on the skin. Pain or stinging can persist even after the rash subsides.

What’s the treatment for shingles?

If you notice symptoms of shingles, see a doctor right away. Your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication to shorten the life of the virus and suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain and soothe itchy skin. As with any illness, it is important to eat a healthy diet, get lots of rest, and try to reduce stress.

How long is shingles contagious?

When you have shingles, you’re contagious as soon as blisters appear. You stop being contagious when they crust over, which usually takes 7 to 10 days. The fluid in the blisters can spread the virus, so be sure to keep your rash covered with a bandage. Try not to scratch your skin and be sure to wash your hands often to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid being around pregnant women and people who have a compromised immune system.

Can shingles be prevented?

The good news is that you can protect yourself against shingles — and the intense pain that comes with it — by getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Shingrix vaccine in adults 50 years of age or older or in immunodeficient adults 19 years of age or older.

The shingles vaccine can have mild to moderate side effects that last a few days. You might feel tired, have a headache, or even get a fever after receiving the vaccine. Most health plans cover preventive vaccines like Shingrix. Check your plan details to see if you are covered.

Even if you already have had shingles, chickenpox, or the chickenpox vaccine, the CDC recommends getting the shingles vaccine. According to the CDC, it is safe for adults to receive the Shingrix shingles vaccine with the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. You should not get the Shingrix vaccine if you currently have shingles or are pregnant.

Getting routine preventive screenings and vaccinations such as the Shingrix vaccine will go a long way in improving your overall health.