SHINGLES, ALSO KNOWN AS HERPES ZOSTER, IS CAUSED BY A VIRUS.2–3

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Following chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus is dormant inside you. Reactivation of the virus is associated with a number of risk factors, including an ageing immune system. Find out if you’re at risk, and how vaccination can help prevent shingles.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHINGLES

You May Be At Risk:

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Shingles is most common among people over 50.3

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Over 90% of adults over 50 already carry the virus that causes shingles.3

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1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime.4

What Does Shingles Feel Like?

The first signs of shingles can be a tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin, a headache or feeling generally unwell. Typically, a blistering rash may appear a few days later on one side of the body only.5

Learn About the shingles Symptoms

Shingles Prevention Options

Download our shingles discussion guide and speak to your healthcare professional about how you can prevent yourself against shingles.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR TODAY

Don’t wait, contact your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have a case of shingles. Your doctor will also be able to advise you on how to manage any symptoms you may be experiencing.

References

  1. MedicineNet. Patient Comments: Shingles-Symptoms & Signs, September 2013. Available at: http://www.healthline.com/health/shingles-pictures#first-symptoms, Accessed July 2022.
  2. Mayo Clinic. Shingles Symptoms and Causes, January 2019. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054?p=1, Accessed July 2022.
  3. Bollaerts, et. al. Epidemiology and Infection, October 2017. Available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMCS647669/, Accessed July 2022.
  4. Brisson M; Epidemiology and infection, May 2001. Volume 127, pages 305-314, Accessed July 2022.
  5. DH Green Book Ch 289. Shingles, April 2021. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503773/2905109_Green_Book_Chapter_28a_v3_0W.PDF, Accessed July 2022.