It’s not possible to get shingles unless you’ve had chickenpox before.

While this is the case, shingles is actually more common than you might think. Approximately one in three people in the United States will have shingles at some point in their life, according to the CDC.

Our AFC Urgent Care Easley team provides more information on this viral rash below, so keep reading.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It’s caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who gets shingles has had a case of chickenpox first, often decades earlier.

The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of your body, and we’ve listed the most common ones 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

How Serious Is Shingles?

Technically, shingles isn’t considered a dangerous health condition. Each year about 1 million new cases of shingles are reported in the United States, and most people recover and resume their normal activities once they’re no longer infectious.

However, it is true that particularly severe cases can lead to death. People with autoimmune conditions and people over the age of 65 are at a higher risk for shingles complications, which is why it’s important for older adults to get the shingles vaccine if they have had chickenpox in the past. If you do get shingles, though, be sure to reach out to a medical professional if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms.

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.

Shingles isn’t something to take lightly! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC team if you are showing shingles symptoms or need any other general medical care.