What is shingles and who can get it?

Shingles is an infection caused by the reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus. The virus which causes chickenpox.
When a person has chickenpox the virus can remain inactive in their body. Later in life, if the immune system is weakened (eg. by illness or age), this virus can reactivate. A person can have shingles more than once.

Shingles causes:
• A rash - with blister like spots which contain fluid (vesicles)
• The rash usually follows the area where there are nerve pathways - the trunk. The face and around the eyes are often affected.
• Pain - because the rash follows the nerve pathways it can cause severe pain. Sometimes this pain will persist for some time. Even after the shingles infection has cleared up.

Who does if affect? Mainly adults, particularly those over the age of 40 years, but shingles can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox.

Can it be passed on?
You cannot ‘catch’ shingles, it is always caused by the reactivation of the virus which previously caused you to have chickenpox.
It is possible to develop a chickenpox infection from someone who has shingles if you have not previously had chickenpox, through direct contact with:
The fluid contained in the blister-like spots of the rash
items recently contaminate by this fluid, for example, towels and bed linen.

Should children or others be excluded from day care, school, work or other activities if they have shingles?
No, unless the rash cannot be covered. If the child is unable to participate in routine activities then the child should also be excluded until well.

What can be done to prevent the spread of shingles disease?
1. People, ages 60 and older, are recommended to be vaccinated against shingles.
2. Good handwashing is an effective way to prevent the spread of shingles.
3. People who have not previously had chickenpox should contact their health-care provider to be vaccinated. Vaccination against chickenpox within three to five days after exposure to shingles may prevent disease from occurring.
4. Pregnant women or people with weakened immune systems who have not previously had chickenpox and who are exposed to shingles should notify their health-care provider immediately

What are the symptoms of shingles?
The first symptom is often a tingling feeling on the skin, itchiness or a stabbing pain. After several days a rash appears as a band of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. It then develops into small. Fluid-filled blisters that dry out and crust over within a few days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to severe pain. The rash and pain usually disappear within 3 to 5 weeks.

When and for how long is a person able to spread shingles?
The virus is present at the site of the rash and is contagious for a week after the appearance of lesions (blisters) or until vesicles become dry and crusted.

Does past infection make a person immune?
Yes. Most people who have shingles have only one episode of the disease. In their lifetime although some may have recurrent episodes. Those with impaired immune systems may suffer repeated attacks.

How is shingles spread? Shingles is spread by a person touching the blisters of someone who has shingles . Shingles can cause chickenpox in people who have not been vaccinated or who have not had chickenpox.

When and for how long is a person able to spread the disease?
A person is able to spread the virus until the blisters are covered with scabs.

How is a person diagnosed?
A health-care provider will diagnose shingles. Sometimes a laboratory test is needed.