Shingles 101: Key Facts About Symptoms, Contagion, and Treatment

What is shingles? Shingles (生蛇/帶狀泡疹), the medical name is herpes zoster. The virus is of the same type as the virus that causes chickenpox. After recovery from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body (in the network of nerves beside the spine and brain) without causing any discomfort or overt symptoms. However, when the body's immunity deteriorates, the virus is reactivated and cause shingles. 

Causes of Shingles: Why Are Some People More Prone to It?     

What Increases the Risk Factors of Shingles? Individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of the varicella-zoster virus reactivating. This includes: 

• People over the age of 60 

• Those taking specific medications, such as immunosuppressants, anti-cancer treatments or steroids 

• People with inborn or acquired immune deficiency states 

• Individuals experiencing emotional stress or trauma 

Older individuals tend to have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to shingles. However, even teenagers can develop shingles, particularly when they face academic stress, lack of sleep, or exhaustion. Other factors, such as diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, or long-term use of steroids, can also weaken the immune system, placing these patients in a higher-risk group for shingles. 

Shingles Symptoms  

Shingles symptoms can resemble those of the flu at early stages, including fatigue, headaches or generally feeling unwell, gastrointestinal discomfort, and fever. Within the first 24 to 48 hours, patients may experience skin pain, numbness, or itching. The virus travels along the spinal nerves to the connected skin surface (dermatomes), forming red rashes or blisters. 

Shingles can appear on any part of the body but typically affects only one side—either the left or the right. If the rash spreads to the eyelids or the outer ear, it can lead to complications such as vision or hearing impairment. 

The severity of shingles depends on the patient’s immune strength, the distribution of the affected nerves, and the activity of the virus. Mild cases may cause slight discomfort, while more severe cases can result in extreme burning sensations or sharp pain. Around 25% of patients may experience serious complications or long-term effects, such as persistent nerve pain (known as postherpetic neuralgia), which may require multiple pain management treatments. 

Can Shingles Lead to Death? 

There is a common misconception that if shingles form a complete circle around the abdomen, it can lead to death. This claim has no scientific basis. In reality, deaths caused by shingles are extremely rare and usually occur in elderly individuals or those with severely weakened immune systems who develop adverse complications such as pneumonia and meningoencephalitis. 

Can I Spread Shingles to Others?   

The varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles, is contagious and can infect individuals who have never had chickenpox, leading them to develop chickenpox. Therefore, it is important to take precautions when caring for someone with shingles. 

Patients with shingles should keep the affected area covered and avoid contact with the fluid from the blisters. However, those who previously had and recovered from chickenpox cannot be reinfected by shingles.  

How Is Shingles Treated?

There are generally no dietary restrictions for shingles patients. Since shingles are linked to a weakened immune system, maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress are crucial. 

If a rash appears, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. After diagnosing shingles, doctors typically prescribe oral antiviral medications and topical creams to combat the virus and relieve pain and itching. Early use of antiviral medications can effectively reduce symptoms and lower the risk and severity of complications. The blisters usually scab over within a few weeks. If the blisters break, proper wound care is necessary to minimize the risk of secondary bacterial infection. 

Home Remedies for Shingles   

Shingles can be managed at home with simple remedies to ease symptoms and promote healing by: 

• Cool Compresses: Apply a clean, damp cloth to reduce itching and inflammation. 

• Immune-Boosting Foods: Eat foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and lysine, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and yogurt, to strengthen immunity. 

• Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to reduce stress, which can worsen symptoms. 

• Adequate Rest and Hydration: Prioritize rest and drink plenty of water to support healing. 

• Take Medicine: Ease pain with paracetamol 

These remedies provide symptom relief but should be used alongside medical treatment. Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen. 

How Can I Prevent Shingles? 

The shingles vaccine (commonly called the “shingles shot”) can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications. Even individuals who have already had shingles can experience recurrence, so it is recommended that anyone aged 50 or older who has had chickenpox or shingles get vaccinated. For those who have recently recovered from shingles, international guidelines generally suggest waiting one year before receiving the vaccine, as the body already has antibodies. 

The first-generation shingles vaccine, Zostavax, has an efficacy rate of approximately 51%. However, with advancements in medical science, a second-generation vaccine called Shingrix is now available. Shingrix requires only two doses and offers a protection rate of up to 97%. Individuals already receiving the Zostavax vaccine can consider receiving Shingrix eight weeks after their Zostavax shot.  

Some people may experience side effects after receiving the Shingrix vaccine, including muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, and gastrointestinal discomfort. These symptoms are usually mild and tend to disappear after a few days. Shingrix is not suitable for: 

• Individuals allergic to the active ingredients or any components of the vaccine 

• Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant 

• Women who are breastfeeding 

OT&P Healthcare also offers Shingrix vaccination services, and you can make an appointment with us for the vaccination. 

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