Good to Know: Is Shingles Sexually Transmitted?
Causes Symptoms and Treatments of Shingles
Shingles is thought to be a virus that only affects older people, with nothing much to worry about for Millennials or Generation Z. Although there is some truth to this, with the vast majority of cases affecting those over the age of fifty, this painful condition can also affect younger people, especially those with a weakened immune system. If you're worried that you might have shingles it's always good to get it checked out, whatever your age.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shingles
No. Although shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus, it is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus already present in your body and is not related to genital herpes or cold sores.
You cannot catch shingles from another person. However, if you have never had chickenpox, you can catch the varicella-zoster virus from a shingles sufferer through contact with an open blister. This would cause you to develop chickenpox, not shingles.
Early symptoms can occur up to a week before the rash and include tingling, numbness, itching, or a burning sensation in a specific area. You may also experience a headache, fever, or an upset stomach.
Shingles most commonly affects those over the age of fifty. Other high-risk factors include high stress levels, a weakened immune system, or chronic conditions such as leukaemia or lymphoma.
The characteristic rash usually blisters and then crusts over into scabs within about a week. The scabs typically fall off after two to three weeks, though the affected area may remain sensitive for some time after.
It is recommended to stay off work or school until the blisters have dried up and crusted over (usually about a week). This is to protect others, especially pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems, from catching chickenpox.
