Shingles are a painful condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can have serious consequences for your health and well-being. This reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox can lead to intense discomfort, nerve damage, and even long-term complications. To protect yourself and your loved ones, it’s very important that you learn about the causes and risk factors associated with shingles. By gaining this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to recognize early symptoms and take preventive measures.
What exactly triggers this dormant virus to resurface, and who’s most vulnerable to its effects? We’ll go into detail below.
Shingles: What Is it Exactly?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that manifests as a painful rash on your skin. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nerve tissue for years, sometimes decades. When it reactivates, it travels along nerve fibers to your skin, causing the characteristic shingles rash.
This rash typically appears as a single stripe of blisters wrapping around either the left or right side of your torso. However, it can occur anywhere on your body, including your face, eyes, or genitals. Shingles symptoms often include burning pain, tingling, or itching in the affected area before the rash appears. As the condition progresses, you may experience fever, headache, and sensitivity to light. The pain from shingles can be severe and may persist even after the rash has cleared, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.
Who Is at Risk for Shingles?
While anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, certain factors increase your risk. Age is a significant factor — the older you are, the higher your risk. People over 50 are particularly susceptible. If you have a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer, or autoimmune diseases, you’re at increased risk. Certain medications, especially those used in cancer treatment or to prevent organ rejection after a transplant, can suppress your immune system and make you more vulnerable. Prolonged stress can also weaken your immune system, potentially triggering shingles. If you’ve had shingles before, there’s a chance you might get it again, although this is relatively rare.
Shingles Affects the Nerves
Shingles can have a profound impact on your nervous system. When the varicella-zoster virus reactivates, it travels along your nerve fibers, causing inflammation and damage. This nerve involvement is what leads to the characteristic pain of shingles. You might feel burning, stabbing, or shooting pain in the affected area even before the rash appears.
In some cases, the pain can persist long after the rash has healed, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia. This lingering nerve pain can last for months or even years, significantly affecting your quality of life. Shingles can also lead to other nerve-related complications, such as vision problems if they affect the nerves around your eyes or hearing and balance issues if they impact the nerves near your ears.
Are Shingles Contagious?
While shingles itself isn’t contagious, the virus that causes it can be transmitted. You can’t “catch” shingles from someone who has it. However, if you’ve never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you can contract the varicella-zoster virus from someone with active shingles. However, this exposure would lead to chickenpox, not shingles. If you have shingles, you can potentially spread the virus to others through direct contact with the fluid from your rash blisters. Once your rash has developed crusts, you’re no longer contagious.
To prevent spreading the virus, cover your rash, avoid touching or scratching it, and wash your hands frequently. It’s especially important to avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems, as they’re at higher risk for complications if they contract the virus.
How the Shingles Vaccine Reduces the Risk
The shingles vaccine is a powerful tool in reducing your risk of developing this painful condition. There are two types of shingles vaccines available: the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) and the zoster vaccine live (ZVL). The RZV is the preferred vaccine and is over 90% effective at preventing shingles. It works by boosting your immune system’s ability to fight off the varicella-zoster virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the RZV for adults 50 and older, even if you’ve previously had shingles or received the older ZVL vaccine. The vaccine is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. While the vaccine doesn’t guarantee you won’t get shingles, it significantly reduces your risk and can make symptoms milder if you do develop the condition. Getting vaccinated is a proactive step to protect your health and potentially avoid the pain and complications associated with shingles.
Receive Additional Support for Shingles From Nirvana
At Nirvana Healthcare Network, we’re here to support you through your journey with shingles. Our healthcare providers can offer further insight into managing this condition and its potential complications. We also provide comprehensive care, from early diagnosis to treatment and follow-up support.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about shingles. We also offer services that can aid in your recovery, such as adult group counseling and pain management treatment. These resources can be invaluable as you navigate the physical and emotional challenges of shingles or other health conditions. Contact us today to learn more.
