Did you know? Nearly one-third of people in the United States will get shingles in their lifetime. Most people will only get it once, but some people can have more than one episode.

Not only is shingles painful enough to experience yourself, but you’ll need to be careful around others if you develop it. Our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team further explains below.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who gets shingles has had a case of chickenpox first, often decades earlier.

Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso. We’ve listed the early signs of shingles below.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

• Tingling or numb sensation under the skin
• A patchy, red rash that oozes and itches
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache

If I Get Shingles, Can I Spread It?

Yes, you can, but you won’t spread shingles itself. The varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles can be spread to another person who hasn’t had chickenpox, and they could develop the disease.

This virus is spread when someone comes in direct contact with an oozing blister, but the virus can’t be spread if the blisters are covered or have formed scabs. If you were to get shingles, we’ve listed some ways to prevent it from spreading below.

Ways to Prevent Shingles Spread

• Keep the shingles rash clean and covered. This can help prevent other people from coming into contact with your blisters.
• Wash your hands often. Also, try not to touch the blisters.
• Avoid being around pregnant women.
• Avoid other at-risk people.

Shingles is no joke! If you are 50 years of age or older and have had chickenpox in the past, consider getting a shingles vaccine to prevent this viral skin infection. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC Urgent Care Powdersville team with any additional questions!