Understanding Shingles: Prevent the Pain With a Shingles Vaccination

You may have heard of the illness called shingles, but you may not realize where it comes from or what it does to the body. Shingles symptoms may start with tingling pain and end up as painful blisters — and if not treated, can lead to long-term complications like chronic pain, bacterial skin infections, problems with hearing and balance, and vision loss (if it occurs in or around your eyes). But, the good news is that getting the shingles vaccination can help protect you from this illness and any related complications.

The era when chickenpox was a childhood rite of passage seems far behind us. Before the chickenpox vaccine, millions of Americans got the infection each year, and thousands had severe complications. Chickenpox is now a relatively rare occurrence — but the varicella-zoster virus that causes it is still in our midst. Today, the virus more often causes various shingles symptoms, which still carry serious health risks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the chickenpox vaccine became available in 1995, which means that most current U.S. adults had chickenpox as children. Once you've had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains in your body, even after you've recovered. In some cases, it can get reactivated later in life, causing shingles.

Fortunately, you can lower your risk of developing shingles with Shingrix, a two-dose vaccine series given two to six months apart.

Am I Really at Risk?

Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past is at risk of developing shingles. In fact, according to the CDC, about one-third of people in the U.S. will develop the condition at some point. By age 80, half of the population will have had shingles.

A number of factors can cause the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate. Shingles is more likely to occur in older people because:

• Immunity is lower. As you age, your immune system naturally weakens. Certain medications and health conditions that are more common in older adults can also wear down your immunity, allowing the virus to reactivate.
• Stress takes a toll. According to the National Institutes of Health, stress may play a role in developing shingles. Periods of stress can temporarily weaken the immune system, putting you at risk.

What Are the Symptoms?

Shingles symptoms occur in stages. You may be familiar with the telltale shingles rash, but keep in mind that the rash may not appear right away.

• One to two days before a rash appears, people typically experience a burning, tingling pain. The pain can be intense and usually affects a small area on your torso, such as a section of your back, rib cage or waist.
• Other symptoms that may develop during this early phase include headache, sensitivity to light, fatigue and an upset stomach.

A few days after pain begins, a visible rash often appears.

• A typical shingles rash looks like a red "stripe" on one side of your body. The rash usually affects your torso, but can also appear on your lower body, one side of your face, or one eye.
• Fluid-filled blisters develop next and may seem to come in waves for several days. These blisters then begin to crust over.
• Pain usually continues during this stage and may become more intense. The sores can also be very itchy.

Not everyone with this infection develops a visible rash. This can make the condition harder to diagnose, but your doctor can confirm whether you do or do not have shingles with a blood test.

What Should I Do If I Develop Symptoms?

While shingles cannot be passed from one person to another, people who have never had chickenpox can get infected with the varicella-zoster virus through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters caused by shingles. You're contagious from when blisters start to appear until your blisters completely scab over, which can take two to four weeks.

While you're contagious, take these CDC-recommended steps to protect those around you:

• Avoid contact with vulnerable people until your rash scabs over. This includes premature or low-birth-weight infants, pregnant women who've never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, and anyone who has a weakened immune system due to other health conditions or medications.
• Practice good hygiene. Avoid touching your rash and wash your hands often. The CDC also suggests keeping your rash covered.

For those seeking shingles pain relief, consider the following over-the-counter products:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Your doctor may also prescribe a medication to help treat shingles, including:

• Antiviral medications
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone

Further, there are additional steps you can take to help relieve itching and discomfort:

• Apply a cool, wet compress on the affected skin.
• Take a soothing bath with colloidal oatmeal and use a lotion, such as calamine, afterward.
• Consider antihistamines to help reduce itching.

Do I Need To Call a Doctor?

Call your doctor right away if you think you might have shingles, especially in the following situations:

• The pain and rash occur very near the eye.
• You're 50 or older.
• You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system.
• The rash is widespread and painful.

Ultimately, early treatment is key. According to the Mayo Clinic, early treatment with prescription antiviral drugs, in particular, may speed healing and lower your risk of complications.

Of those potential complications, the most common is long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN occurs where the shingles rash was located, even after the rash has cleared up. This pain can last for months or even years and can interfere with daily life. Other serious complications may include vision loss and bacterial infection.

What Can I Do To Prevent Shingles?

Thanks to modern medicine, this part is easy! You only have to go as far as your local Rite Aid and ask for the Shingrix vaccine.*

Shingrix doesn't guarantee you won't get shingles, but it significantly reduces your risk of developing the illness and complications from the infection. The vaccine is recommended for adults 50 years and older, as well as adults aged 19-49 who have weakened immune systems due to disease or therapy. There's no maximum age for getting Shingrix. You should also get Shingrix even if you've had shingles, received Zostavax (an older shingles vaccine), or received the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine in the past.

If you have questions about the shingles vaccination, talk with your Rite Aid pharmacist. Then, make your appointment as soon as possible if you're in the recommended age bracket.*

Clinically reviewed on Nov. 11, 2024.