Have you experienced having shingles in your entire life? Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same pathogen that causes chickenpox. After a recovery from chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in your body and can reactivate anytime, causing shingles. It started with a painful rash that develops around either the left or the right side of the face or body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 -10 days and fully clear up within 2-4 weeks. Before the appearance of the rash, a person often experiences pain, itching, or tingling in the area where it develops. It will take several days before the rash appears.
A child with a history of chickenpox is at risk for shingles. Shingles itself is not contagious. However, the pathogen varicella-zoster is contagious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the varicella-zoster virus can spread through contact with shingles blisters that haven’t been scabbed yet. If you haven’t had chickenpox, you can acquire the varicella-zoster virus from exposure to the virus through someone else’s open shingles blisters. This could lead to chickenpox. The virus doesn’t spread after the blisters have formed crusty scabs. Once the blisters will be scabbed, they can no longer pass on the virus. The virus also doesn’t spread when the blisters are well covered.
Infected individuals may also experience symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle weakness and upset stomach. Shingles on the face can affect the eye and cause loss of vision. It may also lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, hearing problems, loss of taste, bacterial infections, brain inflammation (encephalitis), and even death. To avoid the further spread of the virus, it is very important to take precautions, particularly if you are close to someone who has a weak immune system. It is also recommended to cover the rash, avoid touching or scratching the rash, and wash your hands with soap regularly. Vaccines can also help to keep you from developing severe symptoms or complications from shingles.
- PNFP Rowence F. Zorilla, RND
References:
1. Shingles (Herpes Zoster), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/transmission.html
2. Is shingles contagious
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/is-shingles-contagious
3. What is shingles?
