The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted an important health issue: the virus causing chickenpox can stay dormant in the body for years and reactivate later in life, leading to shingles—a painful condition affecting many adults.
Chickenpox, a common childhood disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, usually resolves within one to two weeks. Initial symptoms include fever, body aches, loss of appetite, and a distinctive red or pink rash. However, even after recovery, the virus doesn’t completely disappear. Instead, it hides in nerve tissues and can reactivate later, often decades after the initial infection.
UKHSA’s recent message on X (formerly Twitter) stresses that anyone who has had chickenpox carries the virus in a dormant state that can trigger shingles later. Those aged 65 and over should be particularly aware and consider vaccination options to protect against this painful condition.
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Shingles typically begins with localized pain or a tingling sensation on the skin, followed by headaches. Within a few days, a rash appears—frequently on the chest or stomach, although it can emerge on other body parts. Early treatment within three days of rash onset is crucial. The NHS advises consulting a pharmacist promptly, as antiviral medications can accelerate recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Pharmacists can provide the same antiviral treatments as GPs and offer guidance about further medical care if needed.
The NHS offers shingles vaccination to adults aged 64, those between 70 and 79, and individuals aged 18 or older with severely weakened immune systems. Eligible patients will typically receive invitations for vaccination through letters, text messages, phone calls, or emails from their GP surgeries. Sometimes, vaccination opportunities arise during unrelated GP appointments.
With shingles capable of causing significant discomfort and potential complications, awareness and timely vaccination are key to protecting at-risk populations from this reactivated virus.