Shingles: Symptoms, Complications and Vaccination

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox. This article explains who gets it, the symptoms to look out for, the complications it can cause, and how vaccination can help protect you.

What is shingles?

After you have had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your nerves for life. Shingles happens when the virus reactivates, usually as your immunity weakens with age or illness. Instead of chickenpox, it causes a painful rash along the area of skin supplied by one nerve, usually on one side of the body.

About 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime, and the risk rises with age. Around 80% of cases are in people aged 50 and above. People who have had the chickenpox vaccine can still get shingles later in life.

Symptoms

• Pain, burning, itching or tingling in one area of skin, often 2 to 3 days before the rash appears
• A band or patch of red rash on one side of the body or face, which turns into fluid-filled blisters
• Blisters that scab over in 7 to 10 days, with the rash usually clearing in 2 to 4 weeks
• Sometimes fever, headache or tiredness

See a doctor as soon as possible if you think you have shingles. Antiviral treatment works best when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

Complications

The most common complication is long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). It can continue for months after the rash has healed, and affects up to 30% of people with shingles. Nerve pain can be much harder to treat than ordinary pain.

Shingles on the face or around the eye, which happens in about 1 in 4 cases, can lead to serious problems including loss of vision. Seek medical help urgently if the rash is near your eye.

Shingles vaccination

A non-live shingles vaccine is available in Singapore. It is given as 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart. In Singapore it is approved for:

• adults aged 50 and above
• adults aged 18 and above at higher risk because of a weakened immune system, for example due to certain medical conditions or treatments

Most people can have the vaccine. Let our doctor know if you have had a reaction to a vaccine before, have any allergies, or are pregnant. Our doctor will check whether the vaccine is right for you and explain its benefits and possible side effects.

Frequently asked questions

I have already had shingles. Should I still be vaccinated?
Yes, you can still get shingles again. Our doctor will advise on when to have the vaccine after your rash has cleared.

I had the older live shingles vaccine. Can I have the newer one?
Yes. You will need to leave a gap after the older vaccine, and our doctor will advise on the timing.

Do I need to book?
Yes, please book ahead on WhatsApp so we can make sure the vaccine is in stock. We will confirm the price when you book.

See our vaccinations page for the other vaccines we offer, or message us on WhatsApp to book.