What You Need To Know About Shingles

Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a virus called varicella-roster. The rash can appear anywhere on the body or face but most frequently shows up as a stripe of blisters on one side of the torso. 

 

About 1 million people in the United States get shingles every year, and more than 1 in 3 will get shingles in their lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about this common illness, also known as herpes zoster. 

 

Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. After chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in your nerve tissue and can wake up years later as shingles. The risk of getting shingles increases as you get older, especially after age 50. For reasons unknown, women have a slightly higher risk of getting shingles than men, according to the American Medical Association. 

 

Shingles is best known for an itchy or tingly red rash that turns into a cluster of painful blisters on one side of the body. Early signs of shingles can include fever, headache, and a burning or tingling feeling on the skin. Pain or stinging can persist even after the rash subsides.

 

If you notice symptoms of shingles, see a doctor right away. Your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication to shorten the life of the virus and suggest over-the-counter medicines to relieve pain and soothe itchy skin. 

 

As with any illness, it is important to eat a healthy diet, get lots of rest, and try to reduce stress.

 

How Long Is Shingles Contagious?
 

When you have shingles, you're contagious as soon as blisters appear. You stop being contagious when they crust over, which usually takes 7 to 10 days. 

 

The fluid in the blisters can spread the virus, so be sure to keep your rash covered with a bandage. Try not to itch your skin and wash your hands often to prevent spreading the virus to others. Avoid being around pregnant women and people who have a compromised immune system. 

 

The good news is that you can protect yourself against shingles — and the intense pain that comes with it —by getting vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the Shingrix vaccine for people over age 50. 

 

The shingles vaccine can have mild to moderate side effects that last a few days. You might feel tired, have a headache, or even a fever after getting the vaccine. Most health plans cover preventive vaccines like Shingrix. Check your plan details to see if you are covered. 

 

Even if you already have had shingles, chickenpox, or the chickenpox vaccine, the CDC recommends getting the shingles vaccine. According to the CDC, it is safe for adults to receive the Shingrix shingles vaccine with the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. You should not get the Shingrix vaccine if you currently have shingles or are pregnant.

 

Here’s one last thing to consider. If you've never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you’re never too old to get it. That’s why experts at Cleveland Clinic recommend getting the varicella vaccine to protect yourself from picking up that illness from someone who has shingles. 

 

If you think you have shingles and need to find a doctor, use the Find Care tool on the Sydney^SM Health app or at anthem.com. You can also call the Member Services number on your health plan ID card.