Shingles is caused by a reactivation of the virus Varicella
Herpes Zoster (VZV) that also causes chickenpox.

VZV is a very contagious virus. It spreads
via the humidity in the air in the incubation period of chickenpox
which lasts from 7 to 23 days and has no symptoms. After chickenpox,
VZV will stay in the body but remain latent.
This means that it is no longer contagious and will not cause
chickenpox again.

VZV Reactivates in 1 in 5 Seniors and Causes
Shingles

It is not known why some people get shingles and others
don't or why it is mostly seniors that get it. A key factor
does appear a low immune defense system.

There is no cure for VZV. Usually treatment with an antiviral
agent such as Valacyclovir, Acyclovir or Famciclovir will be
prescribed. It is important to start this treatment as early as
possible for the best effect, so if you think you have shingles
you should see a doctor immediately. The antiviral agent will
reduce the duration and severity of shingles as well as reduce the
risk of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia which is the most serious complication
of shingles. 1 in 5 shingles patients will get Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
and it can last months or years but it will eventually go away.

The Varicella Vaccine - Recommended for Adults who have Not had Chickenpox

There is a varicella vaccine which is usually recommended for
adults who didn't have chickenpox in childhood as chickenpox in
adults can be very severe. It is also available for children but
is not required unlike other vaccines. It will not eliminate the
risk of chickenpox but it will reduce it considerably and
if you do get it, it will be very mild and manageable. As the
vaccine has only been available for about a decade, it is not yet
known if it also protects against shingles.

Related Links

• What is the VZV virus?
• The Varicella vaccine

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