Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is often misunderstood, particularly regarding its classification. Many mistakenly believe it is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) due to “herpes” in its medical name. Shingles is not a sexually transmitted infection. This article aims to provide accurate information about shingles, its causes, and how it differs from STDs.
Understanding Herpes Zoster
Herpes Zoster, or shingles, is a viral infection that results in a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, VZV does not leave the body; it remains dormant within nerve cells, typically in the sensory ganglia near the spinal cord.
Years or even decades later, this dormant VZV can reactivate, leading to shingles. It often occurs when the immune system is weakened, such as due to aging, stress, or certain medical conditions. The reactivated virus travels along nerve pathways to the skin, causing the characteristic painful, blistering rash, which usually appears as a stripe on one side of the body or face.
Defining Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also referred to as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are primarily passed through sexual contact. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sexual activities. These can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
While sexual contact is the main mode of transmission, some STIs can also spread through other means. This can include transmission from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth, or through shared needles or blood transfusions. However, the defining characteristic of an STD is its predominant spread via sexual activity.
Distinguishing Herpes Zoster from STDs
The confusion between shingles and STDs arises because both Herpes Zoster and certain STDs, like genital herpes, belong to the broader herpes virus family. However, the specific viruses involved and their modes of transmission are distinct. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), while genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Shingles is not transmitted through sexual contact. Transmission of VZV from a person with shingles occurs primarily through direct contact with the fluid from the active blisters. If an individual not immune to chickenpox comes into contact with this fluid, they may develop chickenpox, not shingles. In contrast, HSV, which causes genital herpes, is typically spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual intercourse or kissing, and can be transmitted even when no visible symptoms are present.
Prevention and Management of Herpes Zoster
Vaccination is the primary method for preventing shingles and its complications. The recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, as well as for those aged 19 and older with weakened immune systems. This vaccine, a two-dose series, has demonstrated high effectiveness, over 90% in healthy adults, at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, a painful long-term nerve condition.
For individuals who develop shingles, antiviral medications can help manage the infection. While there is no cure for shingles, drugs like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can shorten the duration and severity of the rash and pain. These medications are most effective when started as soon as possible after the rash appears. During an active shingles outbreak, VZV can be transmitted to someone not immune to chickenpox through direct contact with the blister fluid, leading to chickenpox. Keeping the rash covered can help reduce the risk of transmission to others.