We have all heard the term shingles and possibly have even heard commercials advertising a vaccine for shingles. So what exactly are shingles, and how does an individual become infected with shingles?
The medical name for shingles is herpes zoster virus. It is a reactivation of a previous infection with the varicella-zoster virus, which is also known as chicken pox. After a person recovers from chicken pox, the virus lays dormant or inactive in the body, usually in the nerve roots that control sensation. For reasons unknown to scientists, the virus reactivates. This results in a painful, yet localized skin rash with blisters that usually follow a single nerve distribution originating at the spine. Because of this very characteristic pattern, it will only be present on one side of the body.
Risk factors for contracting shingles are common, and most people in the community have one or more these risk factors. The risk factor that most people have in common is a history of chickenpox infection or inoculation with the chicken pox vaccine, because now the person may carry the herpes zoster virus that causes shingles. Individuals over 50 and those who are immunosuppressed due to conditions such as HIV, cancer, or organ transplants have a greater chance of getting shingles. As well as those who have decreased ability to fight infection due to stress or other immune deficiencies. However, the bottom line is that the majority of the individuals who contract shingles are relatively healthy individuals.
The first symptom of shingles is often sensitivity or pain in a broadband distribution on one side of the body. The pain can be burning, itching, tingling, or sharp and shooting. This can happen 1-5 days before the rash appears. The rash will appear as painful blisters on one side of the body. One of the most serious manifestations of shingles is when it infects the eye because it can lead to blindness. This is a medical emergency, and treatment should be sought out immediately!
Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another, however, if you have shingles you can pass the varicella-zoster virus to another individual and give them the chicken pox. A person with active shingles can spread the virus when the rash is in the blister phase. Once the rash develops a crust, the person is no longer contagious. To prevent transmission, keep the blisters covered, wash your hands often, avoid touching and scratching the rash, and avoid contact with individuals who have weakened immune systems.
There is a vaccine available to help reduce the risk of developing shingles, and the CDC recommends the one-time vaccine for those over 60 years of age. If you are unfortunate enough to come down with shingles, there are several antiviral medications that can help reduce the length and severity of the illness. These medications are most effective if started as soon as the rash appears. Therefore, if you think you might have the shingles, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.
For more information about prevention, treatment and signs and symptoms of shingles, go to www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/prevention-treatment.html.
Dr. Buford is a native of Louisiana. She received her Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans. She graduated from LSU Medical School in New Orleans and completed her training in emergency medicine at UT League City at Hermann Memorial Hospital in the Medical Center. She is board certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. She lives in League City and is active in the local community.
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