Shingles is more than a painful rash.
Its risk increases when you are more than 50 years old, and it may increase chances of complications in your pre-existing conditions. This World Heart Day, take a simple Shingles Risk Assessment, know your risk and talk to your doctor.
What is Shingles?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox (varicella), reactivates in the body. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can resurface years later as shingles1.
This reactivation is more common with age, as the immune system naturally weakens over time. Therefore, older adults are at a higher risk of developing shingles 2,3.
Know More About Shingles
Frequently Asked Questions
Shingles disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. It remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later 1, usually due to aging 2 or a weakened immune system 17,18, leading to a painful, blistering rash 1.
As people age, their immune system weakens, making it harder to keep the varicella-zoster virus inactive. This raises the risk of shingles in those aged 50 or older 2,17. Additionally, they are more likely to have complications like PHN 3.
You cannot catch shingles disease from someone who has it. However, if a person has never had chickenpox or the vaccination, the varicella-zoster virus can spread to them, causing chickenpox 19.
Shingles usually causes a painful rash that appears on one side of the body or face. It begins as red patches, then forms fluid-filled blisters that scab over within 7-10 days. The rash typically clears up within 2 to 4 weeks 20.
Yes, chronic stress can increase your risk of shingles 21. Long-term stress weakens the immune system 22, making it harder to keep the varicella-zoster virus inactive, which can lead to reactivation 21. Consult your doctor for more information.
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