Britons are being urged to recognise the warning signs of shingles, a condition that can last up to four weeks and is often more serious than many realise. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted that shingles claims around 50 lives annually across the UK.
Shingles—a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus—primarily affects older adults, especially those aged 65 and over. According to the UKHSA, anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles later in life due to a decline in immunity. “If you or someone you know is 65 or over, it’s important to understand how to protect against this painful illness,” the agency advised.
After recovery from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate as shingles later, often triggered by aging or immunosuppression. Importantly, shingles cannot spread from person to person; it only occurs in individuals who have already had chickenpox.
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Early symptoms typically include a tingling or painful sensation on one side of the body, accompanied by headaches or general malaise. A rash generally develops a few days later, starting as blotches before becoming itchy, fluid-filled blisters that eventually crust over and heal. Unlike other rashes, shingles affects only one side of the face or body.
The rash can take up to four weeks to fully resolve, and pain may persist even after the rash heals. Rarely, shingles can occur without a rash. Many are unaware that while some cases are mild, shingles can cause intense, debilitating pain, sometimes making even light touch unbearable. One serious complication, post-herpetic neuralgia, results in nerve pain lasting for months or even longer.
If you experience symptoms of shingles and are aged 18 or older, the NHS recommends seeing a pharmacist within three days of the rash’s appearance. An urgent GP appointment or calling NHS 111 is advised if symptoms involve facial rash, eye involvement, or a weakened immune system.
Individuals with shingles should avoid contact with pregnant women, infants, or those who have never had chickenpox to prevent the spread of the virus in its chickenpox form.
The NHS offers a shingles vaccine to those aged 70 to 79, which significantly reduces the risk of developing the illness. Even if you have had shingles before, vaccination is recommended, as the condition can recur and the vaccine helps lessen symptom severity.
An estimated 194,000 people in England and Wales contract shingles each year, underscoring the importance of awareness and early intervention.