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Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Unlike other infectious diseases, you cannot catch shingles from someone else – not even from someone who has chickenpox.   

Most people get chickenpox when they are young. The virus that causes chickenpox can stay in your body for the rest of your life without you knowing it is there. However, it can become active again later in life. It is not clear why this happens, but it’s often linked to a weakened immune system caused by ageing, illness, stress or medication.   

What are the symptoms of shingles? 

Shingles often starts with some tingling and pain in one area, along with a headache and tiredness. This is usually followed by a painful rash with fluid-filled blisters a few days later. The rash usually affects an area on just one side of the body (usually the chest, but sometimes the head, face or eye).   

When shingles affects the eye, or the skin around the eye, it can cause severe pain and eye problems, which can lead to sight loss.  For more information about the symptoms of shingles, visit the NHS 111 Wales website.

How long does shingles last? 

Most people fully recover from shingles, but for some people the pain can last for months or longer. This long-lasting pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).  

PHN is difficult to treat, and the older you are, the more likely you are to have PHN that is severe. 

Information:

If you think you may have shingles, contact your GP, as early treatment may help reduce your risk of long-term pain. 

Can shingles spread to other people? 

You cannot catch shingles from someone else. However, the fluid in shingles blisters is infectious and can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it (usually a child).  

 People with shingles should try to avoid:  

  • pregnant women who have not had chickenpox before   
  • people with a weakened immune system (such as someone having chemotherapy), and   
  • babies less than one month old.   

How common is shingles? 

About 1 in 5 people who have had chickenpox will develop shingles. This means that every year in England and Wales, tens of thousands of people will have shingles. Although shingles can occur at any age, the risk, severity and complications of shingles all increase with age.  

Each year, a number of people aged 65 and over are admitted to hospital with shingles in Wales.  

Learn more

If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, or the disease they protect against, a number of information resources are available to help.

You can also call NHS 111 or your GP practice for advice if you have any questions.

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