17 April 2023 , 13:07
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Every year tens of thousands of us are struck down by the painful infection known as shingles. But what actually is it?
It's a virus that causes a painful rash to break out anywhere on your body, but usually affects your chest and tummy. The rash appears as blotches on your skin, like a single stripe of blisters that generally wraps around the left or right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — which is the same virus that causes chickenpox, says the NHS.
Shingles is the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which most of us will have caught by the time we're ten. But the virus never actually 'goes away' and hides within us before 'breaking out' as shingles. The Shingles Support Society (SSS) says this can happen at any age, but is more likely as we get older. They explained that red patches are usually the first sign of the rash appearing, but there can often be itching, tingling or burning under the skin, pain around the area and 'fluid-filled blisters' that burst and turn into sores before they dry out.
In some cases the rash - which is usually rather painful - can take up to five weeks to heal. People are urged to call 111 or visit the doctor as soon as they suspect shingles, as they may need medication.
How can I treat it at home?
For treating shingles at home, the NHS website advises taking paracetamol, keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting clothing and using a cool compress a few times a day. It warns against letting dressings or plasters stick to the rash or using antibiotic cream. The health service also urges those infected to stay away from certain groups of people to avoid spreading chickenpox, including pregnant people who have not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system and babies less than a month old. Medicine from a doctor can help speed up your recovery if it's taken within three days of the symptoms starting, but not everyone needs it.
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What are the symptoms of shingles?
The symptoms can vary from person to person, but typically include:
- Rash: Shingles often presents as a rash that appears as a band or strip of red, blistered skin, usually on one side of the body or face. The rash can be painful and it may itch.
- Pain: Pain is a common symptom of shingles and can be severe. The feeling can be described as burning, tingling, or shooting and may be localised to the area where the rash appears.
- Sensitivity to touch: The skin affected by the shingles rash may be sensitive to touch, and even light touch or pressure can cause pain.
- Blistering: The rash may develop into fluid-filled blisters that can break open and crust over. The blisters are usually limited to the area where the rash appears and do not cross the midline of the body.
- Itching: Some people with shingles may experience itching or tingling before the rash appears.
- Flu-like symptoms: In some cases, people with shingles may also experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and chills.
- Nerve-related symptoms: Shingles can affect the nerves, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the area where the rash appears.
It's important to note that shingles can be a painful and uncomfortable condition. If you believe you have it, be sure to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Who can get the vaccine?
The shingles vaccine helps minimise your chances of getting the condition and reduces your chances of getting serious problems if you do get it. The NHS says the vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk from shingles, including all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. You're more likely to get shingles, and it's more likely to cause serious problems, as you get older or if you have a severely weakened immune system. This includes:
- Some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
- Some people with HIV or AIDS
- Some people who've recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- People taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system
Those with a weakened immune system will be given two doses of the shingles vaccine. These are given between eight weeks and six months apart.
How to get the vaccine
If you're eligible you will normally be contacted by your GP surgery. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email. Sometimes you might be offered the vaccine during a GP appointment you're having for another reason. The NHS advises you speak to your GP surgery if you think you're eligible for the shingles vaccine, but you've not been contacted.
You should also get in tiouch if you did not have the vaccine when you were contacted and you're still under 80 (only people with a severely weakened immune system can get the vaccine after 80 years of age) or you're due to have your vaccine and you're feeling unwell – you may need to wait until you're feeling better before having the inoculation.
Side effects
The NHS says most of the side effects of the shingles vaccine are mild and resolve themselves within two to three days.
They can include:
A high temperature
- Swelling, itchiness, bruising or pain where the injection was given
- An aching body
- Feeling tired
A headache
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- Shivering (chills)
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are extremely rare. The person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.