Shingles symptoms can be worrying, especially if you don’t know what it is. Here you can learn more about the early signs, how to treat it and how you can prevent it with a vaccine.
If you think you have shingles, you should contact a doctor. You can book an on-demand appointment with one of our friendly GPs here.
What is shingles?
Once you have had chickenpox, shingles virus stays dormant in your body and can reactivate at any time. It’s more likely as you age, and your immunity naturally drops. Those more at risk of developing shingles include cancer cases post chemotherapy, and people taking immuno-suppressants.
Most people who develop shingles only have it once during their life. In rare cases, you can have it multiple times.
Early signs
Pain, itching, or tingling around the left or right side of the body can be an indication that shingles is on its way. This can occur a few days before a rash appears - you can also have a fever too.
Once it’s underway: common symptoms
A blotchy rash most commonly appears as a single stripe around the left or the right side of the body. Less commonly, it can show on one side of the face.
The blotches become itchy blisters that ooze fluid. A few days later, the blisters dry out and scab.
Symptoms of shingles can also include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Upset stomach
I think I have shingles – what should I do?
Stay off work or school if the rash is still oozing fluid and cannot be covered, or until it has dried out. You can only spread the infection to other people while the rash oozes fluid.
If you think you have shingles, get in touch with a doctor. Within 72 hours of the rash appearing, your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications. This can help with your recovery and reduce the chances of Post herpetic neuralgia (chronic nerve pain) that can occur in up to 20% of patients.
Prevention is better than cure. Recombinant zoster vaccine can help prevent shingles and related complications. You can book a vaccine appointment with us here.
