Shingles is a viral infection characterized by a painful rash with blisters, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the VZV remains dormant within the body’s nerve tissues. Shingles occurs when this inactive virus reactivates. The condition typically manifests as a rash on one side of the body or face, often accompanied by pain, itching, or tingling before the blisters appear.
Understanding Shingles Transmission
Shingles is not typically spread through airborne respiratory droplets, unlike common illnesses such as the cold or flu. Transmission of the varicella-zoster virus from a person with shingles primarily occurs through direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. If an individual without prior chickenpox immunity contacts this fluid, they can develop chickenpox, not shingles.
The virus is contagious only when the rash is in its blister phase and the blisters are open or weeping. Once these blisters have dried and crusted over, the person is no longer able to spread the virus.
While rare, particularly in cases of widespread shingles or in immunocompromised individuals, virus particles from the blisters can become aerosolized, leading to potential airborne transmission. However, this is not the primary mode of transmission for localized shingles.
Individuals at Risk of Infection
Exposure to the varicella-zoster virus from a person with shingles puts specific groups at risk of developing chickenpox. Individuals who have no prior immunity to chickenpox are susceptible, including those who have never had the disease or have not received the varicella vaccine. Infants, particularly those too young to be vaccinated, are vulnerable. Pregnant women who lack immunity also face risks, as chickenpox during pregnancy can endanger both mother and fetus. Immunocompromised individuals represent another high-risk group, including people undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or those with conditions like HIV/AIDS, as their weakened immune systems make them more vulnerable to infection.
Preventive Measures and Care
Individuals with shingles should keep the rash covered with clothing or a bandage to prevent direct contact with the blister fluid. It is also important to avoid touching or scratching the blisters and to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water.
To protect others, individuals with shingles should avoid direct contact with high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, infants, and those with weakened immune systems, until all the blisters have crusted over. For those in contact with someone who has shingles, avoiding direct contact with the rash is important, especially if they belong to a susceptible group. Practicing good hand hygiene after any potential contact can help reduce the risk of transmission.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, and for those 19 and older with weakened immune systems, to prevent shingles. This vaccine helps to prevent the reactivation of the dormant virus. For susceptible individuals, the chickenpox vaccine (Varicella) can prevent them from contracting chickenpox if exposed to the virus, and it also reduces the likelihood of developing shingles later in life.