SHINGLES, ALSO KNOWN AS HERPES ZOSTER, IS CAUSED BY A VIRUS.2–3

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Following chickenpox, the varicella zoster virus is dormant inside you. Reactivation of the virus is associated with a number of risk factors, including an ageing immune system. Find out if you’re at risk, and how vaccination can help prevent shingles.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SHINGLES

You may be at Risk

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Shingles is most common among people over 50.3Over 90% of adults over 50 years old already carry the virus that causes shingles. (based on US and European studies)

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Over 90% of adults over 50 already carry the virus that causes shingles.3

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People who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing shingles and are more likely to have a more severe case.3,5

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Nette:
I’ve had shingles multiple times.

Nette:
My legs started getting really painful.

Nette:
Parang may blade sa loob tapos kinakayod niya yung laman sa loob.

Nette:
The second time when it recurred, affected naman yung left breast ko.

Nette:
I had no work the entire time I had shingles.

Nette:
If you can avoid shingles, avoid it. It really puts your life on hold. It really helps when you consult with a doctor.

What Does Shingles Feel Like?

Shingles pain can feel like electric shocks, burning or intense itching. A blistering rash usually appears on one side of the body. You may also experience other symptoms, such as chills, a fever, an upset stomach, or headache.4,5,6

Learn About the shingles Symptoms

The pain caused by shingles has been described by patients as nails piercing the skin, the body being scorched by boiling water, and nerve endings on fire.1

Shingles Prevention Options

Download our shingles discussion guide and speak to your healthcare professional about how you can prevent yourself against shingles.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR TODAY

Don’t wait, contact your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have a case of shingles. Your doctor will also be able to advise you on how to manage any symptoms you may be experiencing.

References

  1. Bowsher D;British Journal of General Practice;1992;42;244-246 (v1.0).
  2. Mayo Clinic. Shingles Symptoms and Causes, January 2019. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054?p=1, Accessed July 2022.
  3. Bollaerts, et. al. Epidemiology and Infection, October 2017. Available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMCS647669/, Accessed July 2022.
  4. Brisson M; Epidemiology and infection, May 2001. Volume 127, pages 305-314, Accessed July 2022.
  5. DH Green Book Ch 289. Shingles, April 2021. Available at https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503773/2905109_Green_Book_Chapter_28a_v3_0W.PDF, Accessed July 2022.
  6. Harpaz 2008 (v1.0) CDC MMWR Prevention of Herpes.
  7. Gov UK; 2021: 1-16; 28a Shingles (herpes zoster) (v 1.6).
  8. Yawn B; Neurology: 2014; 81: 1-209 (v1.0) The global epidemiology of herpes zoster.