What is shingles?
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a communicable disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella, the Varicella-zoster of the Herpesvirus group.
The virus lodges in nerve cells and can remain inactivated there (without manifestations) for some time and, later, with advancing age (the biggest risk factor), or at a time of weakening of the immune system, it can reactivate, causing the disease, which is manifested mainly by localized changes in the skin.
What are the symptoms of shingles?
Symptoms begin with severe pain or itching of the skin, and a few days later, red spots appear, which develop into blisters (vesicles) with fluid and, later, crusts. The bubbles appear over a red area/zone in a stripe-like shape.
There may also be:
- Feeling warm
- itching (less relevant than in chickenpox)
- numbness or tingling in the affected areas
- fever
- Chills
- headache
- Abdominal discomfort
The pain is the most common symptom and can be so intense that it is often described as being burned or stabbed.
How is the virus transmitted?
The virus can be transmitted through contact:
- direct, through the liquid of the bubbles
- indirect, by contaminated objects
I've never had chickenpox. Can I get the shingles virus?
Yes. If you are in contact with the herpes zoster virus (which is the same as chickenpox) you can be infected, but you will develop chickenpox.
Herpes zoster infection is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox. It is more frequent to occur in immunosuppressed people or those with advancing age and not by contagion.
I've had chickenpox. Can I get shingles?
Nope. The development of shingles does not occur by infecting another person with the infection. It is caused by a reactivation of the chickenpox, that is, if you have developed herpes zoster it is because you have previously been infected by the chickenpox virus at some stage of life, even if the disease has not manifested itself.
What is the contagion period of shingles?
If you've never had chickenpox, shingles is contagious until all of the infected person's lesions are crusted over.
What is the incubation period of the virus?
The incubation period is usually between 8 and 21 days after direct contact with the infected person.
What are the risk groups for developing shingles?
The Varicella-Zoster virus is more likely to reactivate and cause herpes zoster disease in people:
- over the age of 50 years
- with weakened immune systems (immunosuppressed)
What are the complications of the infection?
In a small number of cases, the following complications may appear:
- postherpetic neuralgia, which is persistent pain in the area of herpes lesions
- partial or complete loss of vision if herpes zoster develops around the eye and is left untreated
- secondary wound infection
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
Is it possible to prevent shingles?
If you have not been infected with the chickenpox virus before, the main way to prevent shingles is to avoid contact with infected people and possible objects contaminated by the virus.
How can I avoid contagion?
If you are infected, to protect those around you from contracting shingles, you should take the following safety measures:
- Cover the vesicles/blisters
- Avoid touching or scratching the blisters
- Wash your hands frequently
- avoid contact with other people at risk, such as pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, premature babies and people with weakened immune systems, until the blisters crust over
How is shingles diagnosed?
Usually, the symptoms of shingles, and the lesions at the level of the skin, are easy to identify and allow for a quick diagnosis.
However, when symptoms or signs are not evident, it may be necessary to perform laboratory tests, such as PCR laboratory testing to identify the virus.
What is the treatment for the disease?
To treat herpes zoster it is important to go to a doctor as soon as possible, as early action on the infection is essential for effective treatment. This treatment usually involves taking medication.
If the infection is located around the eye, you should go to an ophthalmologist as soon as possible so that you can be prescribed treatment and thus prevent the development of other complications of the disease.
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)