Shingles isn’t often talked about, but it can be a cause for concern for many older adults.

Those who have had chickenpox in the past are subject to contracting the shingles, and this viral infection is highly contagious. Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team further elaborates on the shingles below, so keep reading!

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.

After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body but may not cause problems for many years. When you get older, though, the virus may reappear as shingles. If you aren’t sure whether you’re currently dealing with shingles, we’ve listed its most common signs and symptoms below.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

• Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching

Is Shingles a Cause for Serious Concern?

Yes and no. While shingles is painful and contagious, it doesn’t cause terminal or serious complications to the majority that contract it. In fact, about 1 million new cases of shingles are reported in the United States every year, and most people recover and resume their normal activities once they’re no longer infectious.

Just like with any illness, though, people who have compromised immune systems have a higher risk of developing serious health complications. To lower your risk of getting shingles, it’s important to get the shingles vaccine if you have had chickenpox in the past.

When to Call Your Doctor

• The pain and rash occur near an eye. If left untreated, this infection can lead to permanent eye damage.
• You’re 60 or older, because age significantly increases your risk of complications.
• You or someone in your family has a weakened immune system, due to cancer, medications or chronic illness.
• The rash is widespread and painful.

Want to learn more about shingles? We can help! Contact our AFC team today or don’t hesitate to stop by.