Shingles

Shingles (also known as herpes zoster), is a disease caused by the virus varicella zoster, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox – this means that it is impossible to contract shingles if you have never contracted chickenpox or have never been exposed to the varicella zoster virus before. 
 

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles.  Shingles most commonly affects older people, however it can occur at any age, particular in those who have weakened immune systems and/or have already experienced chickenpox earlier in life.   

Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes it can be spread from a person with active shingles to cause chickenpox in someone who has never had chickenpox or has not received the chickenpox vaccine. Shingles is not as contagious as chickenpox, and the risk of spreading the virus is low, so long as the rash blisters are covered up completely.

The first signs of shingles are usually pain, itching or tingling in the area where the rash will eventually appear - this usually happens only a few days before. Shingles soon develops as a painful rash, usually on one side of the face or body. The shingles rash develops into itchy blisters that will form scab in around 7 to 10 days, resolving within approximately 3 to 5 weeks.

In Australia, a vaccination for shingles is provided via the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for adults when they turn 70 years of age.  There is currently a catch-up program for adults aged 71-79 years of age.