Shingles: chickenpox’s cousin

Shingles, a viral infection that resembles chickenpox, is a lot more common than most people think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30% of Americans will develop it during their lifetime.

Contrary to popular belief, people of any age can come down with shingles, including children.

“If you've had chickenpox, you can contract shingles because it’s the same virus that lays dormant in your nerve tissue until it's reactivated when the immune system is suppressed,” said Shalika Katugaha, MD, a hospital epidemiologist and system director of Infectious Diseases for Baptist Health. “And your risk for shingles increases as your immune system naturally declines with age.”

Same, but different

Although caused by the same virus as chickenpox, shingles is a different illness.

Chickenpox, which primarily affects children, is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact or by breathing in viral particles.

Shingles, on the other hand, can't pass from one person to another. However, someone with an infectious shingles rash can spread chickenpox to a person who has never had it or hasn't received the chickenpox vaccine.

“Age is the most important risk factor for the development of shingles,” said Dr. Katugaha, adding that more than half of all cases occur after the age of 60. “Another risk factor is an immunocompromised state.”

Organ transplant recipients, HIV patients, individuals with autoimmune diseases or those who are on medications that suppress the immune system are at greater risk.

Signs of shingles

The first symptom of shingles is often pain, itching or tingling of the skin. A person may also experience flu-like symptoms.

Next, a painful rash of small, fluid-filled blisters usually forms on one side of the body or face. These sores, which tend to dry out and crust over, can last from seven to 10 days.

Whether the person is young or old, the pain of shingles will last much longer than the rash, which typically clears up in a few weeks. This is because the virus travels in specific nerves, causing chronic nerve pain that can last for months or even years.

“Approximately 10-15% of patients will develop a painful chronic condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Some people may also experience numbness in the affected area,” Dr. Katugaha said.

Other severe complications can include facial paralysis, meningitis, delirium, motor weakness, stroke symptoms or bacterial infections of the skin.

Vax facts

The best defense against shingles – and chickenpox for that matter – is vaccination.

The first FDA-approved shingles vaccine was developed in 2006, followed by a second in 2017. The newer vaccine has shown to be 97% effective in adults 50-69 with healthy immune systems.

“Vaccination reduces the risk of developing shingles and PHN. Adults should get the shot even if they have already had the virus to help prevent future occurrences,” Dr. Katugaha said. “Maintaining a healthy immune system also aids in the prevention of shingles.”