How To Prevent Shingles

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to lower your risk.

Understanding Shingles

After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t leave the body completely—it remains dormant in nerve tissues. Later in life, especially when the immune system weakens, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles. The condition often begins with itching, tingling, or pain before a rash appears, usually on one side of the body, like the torso or face. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, chills, and an upset stomach.

While shingles typically happens once, some people may experience it multiple times. It's important to note that shingles (herpes zoster) is different from the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles—even if they don't remember ever being sick. In the United States, almost everyone born before 1980 has been exposed to the virus. According to estimates, about one in three Americans will experience shingles during their lifetime.

Age is a major factor: shingles becomes more common as you get older. By the age of 80, roughly half of people have had shingles at least once. This increased risk is linked to the natural weakening of the immune system with age, especially the decline in T cells that normally control the virus.

Other factors that can raise your risk include:

• Having a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV, cancer, or from treatments like chemotherapy and organ transplant medications.
• Experiencing extreme stress or physical trauma, which may also trigger virus reactivation.
• Being assigned female at birth, which is associated with a slightly higher risk compared to males.
• Being of non-Hispanic White ancestry, who appear more likely to develop shingles than other ethnic groups.

How To Lower Your Risk

Vaccination

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles and its complications. Since 1995, the chickenpox vaccine has been available in the U.S., and in 2006, the first shingles vaccine was introduced.

Currently, Shingrix is the preferred vaccine for shingles prevention. It is highly effective and recommended for:

• Adults aged 50 and older, regardless of past shingles episodes.
• Adults aged 19 and older who have weakened immune systems.

The vaccine is given in two doses, spaced two to six months apart. Clinical studies show Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles across all age groups.

Should You Get Vaccinated?

You should consider vaccination if:

• You have had chickenpox, shingles, or the chickenpox vaccine.
• You don't recall having chickenpox (since many infections were mild or unnoticed).
• You previously received the older shingles vaccine (Zostavax), which was less effective.

You should delay or avoid vaccination if:

• You currently have shingles.
• You are moderately or severely ill.
• You had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose.
• You are pregnant.

If you're considering getting vaccinated, check with your healthcare provider and insurance provider—some insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, may cover the cost.

Why Early Treatment Matters

If you develop shingles symptoms—especially a painful, blistering rash—seek medical attention immediately. Antiviral treatments are most effective when started within three days of the rash appearing. Early treatment can:

• Lessen the severity of symptoms.
• Shorten the duration of illness.
• Reduce the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and other serious complications.

Also, keep in mind that during the blistering phase, shingles can be contagious. While you can’t give someone shingles, you can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox, potentially causing them to develop chickenpox.

A Quick Recap

Shingles is a painful viral infection that primarily affects older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems. Vaccination with Shingrix is the best way to prevent shingles and its complications. If you notice early signs of shingles, quick medical treatment can help minimize discomfort and avoid long-term nerve pain. Speak with your healthcare provider about your vaccination options and treatment if needed.