What does shingles do to you

While antiviral medication is an effective…. The shingles vaccine is recommended for people ages 50 and older, as older adults are more likely to develop shingles. Learn about the side effects of…. Shingles is a condition related to chickenpox. It mostly affects older adults. Learn the causes and how to avoid getting or spreading the virus that….

Shingles, sometimes called herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Learn more here. Shingles pain can last for a few days to up to a month or longer. We'll discuss why. Once reactivated, the virus spreads to your skin by traveling down your nerves.

Where your rash appears depends on which nerve the virus travels. Learn to how to tell shingles vs. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Understanding What Causes Shingles to Activate. Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.

Shingles defined Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Shingles vaccines Outlook Bottom line If you contract the chickenpox virus, also known as varicella-zoster, your illness will typically clear up in a week or two. What is shingles? Why do some people get shingles? What are the symptoms of shingles? How is shingles diagnosed? How is shingles treated? Is there a vaccine against shingles? What is the outlook for people with shingles? The bottom line.

Read this next. What Does Shingles Look Like? Medically reviewed by University of Illinois. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

Can Stress Trigger Shingles? Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Medically reviewed by Femi Aremu, PharmD. Is Shingles Contagious? Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. Are vaccines safe or not? Learn more here. Also, click here to learn more about the brands of childhood chickenpox vaccines. A different vaccine, the herpes zoster vaccine, is available for people aged 50 and older who have had chickenpox and therefore carry VZV.

Experts also recommend this vaccine for those who have not had chickenpox or shingles. In the U. The herpes zoster vaccine can help prevent shingles in people who already have the virus. People who should not have the shingles vaccine without first discussing it with their doctor include those who:. Although anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, some people may be at a higher risk.

Possible complications of shingles include :. It is more likely to occur if a person develops shingles after the age of 40, and the risk continues to increase with age. People with a weakened immune system will have a higher risk of developing shingles and of experiencing severe symptoms and complications. These people should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they have concerns about shingles-related symptoms. What other precautions should a person take if they have a weak immune system?

Find out here. Most people make a full recovery from shingles within 3—5 weeks, but some experience severe complications. Those most at risk are people with a weakened immune system. Getting the varicella vaccination during childhood can prevent both chickenpox and shingles.

For those who did not have the vaccination in childhood, vaccines against shingles are available. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a rash, which can be painful. There are several home remedies that may provide relief from the symptoms…. Shingles results in a painful, itchy rash that can lead to blistering and permanent nerve damage. Medications can treat the condition, but many people…. Shingles is a painful rash that usually appears on one side of a person's body. Although young people can get shingles, an estimated 50 percent of….

Shingles normally lasts 3 to 5 weeks, but there are some factors that may affect how long it takes to heal. Learn more about what to expect. Shingles usually causes a painful, blistering rash. It can also cause internal symptoms, appear without a rash, and may spread to internal organs. Shingles: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Shilpa Amin, M. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What are some home remedies for shingles? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. The symptoms of shingles may look like other medical conditions or problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Your healthcare provider will do a complete physical exam and ask about your medical history, specifically about whether you have ever had chickenpox. Your healthcare provider will likely know right away that it is shingles based on the unique rash. The rash usually appears one area on one side of the body or face. It appears as red spots, small fluid- or pus-filled vesicles, or scabs. Specific treatment for shingles will be determined by your healthcare provider based on:.

There is no cure for shingles. It simply has to run its course. Treatment focuses on pain relief. Painkillers may help relieve some of the pain. Antiviral drugs may help lessen some of the symptoms and reduce nerve damage. Other treatments may include:. However, complications can happen. The main complications that can result from shingles include:. Two different vaccines are available to prevent shingles. Experts recommend vaccination for all adults 50 and older, even if you've had shingles before.

Talk with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate time for you to get vaccinated, and which vaccine is best for you. To reduce the severity and shorten the length of the illness, treatment must be started as soon as possible. If you think you have shingles, call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes shingles? Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years.