Don’t Be Fooled: Shingles Is Serious—Here’s What You Need to Know
Happy April Fools’ Day! While we all love a good laugh, there’s one thing that’s no joke—shingles.
You might think it’s just a rash, but don’t be fooled. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (yep, the same one that causes chickenpox). If you’ve ever had chickenpox, the virus lies quietly in your body and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
As a pharmacist, I have been asked many times about shingles and here are Top 3 questions I get.
How does it present? Shingles usually starts with: pain, tingling, or burning on one side of the body or face. A red, blistering rash that follows, typically in a single stripe. Fever, chills, headache, or upset stomach may happen.
Is shingles contagious? Kind of. You can’t “catch” shingles from someone, but the virus can spread from someone with active shingles to someone who’s never had chickenpox or hasn’t been vaccinated—causing them to get chickenpox, not shingles. The virus spreads through direct contact with fluid from the blisters, so until the rash crusts over, it’s best to avoid close contact with infants, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems.
How is it treated? If shingles is caught early—ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing—antiviral medications can help shorten the course and reduce severity. Pain relievers, cool compresses, and soothing creams can help with symptom relief. But again, early treatment is key.
Why all the hype? It’s just a rash.
Since it is a virus that comes and goes in the body, why all the hype when your immune system will fight it off? Good Questions!
Shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—long-term nerve pain that can linger for months or even years after the rash fades.
Best defense? Prevention.
The Shingrix vaccine is over 90% effective and recommended for adults 50 and older—even if you’ve had shingles before. It’s a 2-dose vaccine that significantly lowers your chances of developing shingles and complications like PHN.
Don’t be fooled by a funny holiday—shingles is no joke. Know the signs, protect yourself, and spread the word (not the virus).