If you've had chickenpox, even as a kid, you're at risk for shingles. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox.
You can recover from chickenpox and forget all about it for decades—until the virus reactivates in your body and gives you a case of shingles.
Symptoms of shingles
Shingles' trademark symptom is a painful rash or blisters that are on one side of the body only. It usually shows up around your midsection or on your face. The blisters typically scab over in about a week to 10 days. Sometimes people experience pain, itching or tingling before the rash even appears. In addition to the rash, other symptoms to watch for include:
• Chills.
• Fever.
• Headache.
• Upset stomach.
• Eye infection.
Shingles can lead to long-term nerve pain in 10% to 18% of people who get it. That's one good reason to get vaccinated. Other complications are rare but include lung infections, hearing problems, brain inflammation, vision loss and death.
See a doctor
If you experience any of the symptoms of shingles, see your health care provider right away. They'll ask you about your symptoms and if you've ever had chickenpox. A physical exam is usually all that's needed to diagnose shingles.
Treatment can help
Antiviral medicines can shorten the illness and make it less severe. These medicines work best if shingles is caught early and you start taking medication within three days of developing the rash.
Your health care provider may also prescribe a steroid to help ease the swelling. The combination of steroids and antivirals may reduce your risk of long-term nerve pain.
If you need pain management, ask your provider if you should take an over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For most people, the pain goes away in three to five weeks.
A vaccine can protect you
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults 50 and older. It's also recommended for people over the age of 19 with weakened immune systems.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging