What Is The Connection Between Shingles And Chickenpox? (image: x.com/healthprefectt)
Shingles viral infection: According to a new global survey, 56.6% of Indian respondents aged 50 and above are unaware of shingles, although more than 90% of them carrying the virus in their bodies. On a global level, only 44 per cent of participants were familiar with shingles.
What is Shingles? What you need to know about the viral infection?
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) – the same virus that causes chickenpox. After one had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant and reactivates in their body later as the immune system weakens.
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The infection majorly causes a painful skin rash which can occur anywhere on your body. According to Mayo clinic, generally the shingles rash develops a stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of the torso and sometimes, the shingles rash occurs around one eye or on one side of the neck or face.
Some of the common symptoms include pain, burning or tingling sensation, itching, sensitivity to touch, red rash appearing on one side of the body, fluid-filled blisters that break open easily. Some people also experience symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
The viral infection can lead to serious complications such as long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Also if pain and rash occur near eye and left it untreated, it may lead to permanent eye damage.
The risk of developing shingles increases with age. Also, the medical conditions that weaken one’s immune systems such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, and HIV infection, and also use of some medications, particularly, long-term use of steroids, can increases the chances of developing shingles.
Is Shingles Contagious?
According to National Council on Aging, Shingles itself is not contagious. However, people who never had chickenpox or didn’t get chickenpox vaccine can get infected with the virus from someone who has shingles, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People can get virus through direct contact with the fluid from shingles rash blisters, and breathing in virus particles that come from the blisters, it adds.
Early treatment on Shingles, can help reduce symptoms and prevent complications. Vaccination has been suggested, especially for older adults, to reduce the risk of developing shingles and advance its complications. CDC recommends 2 doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults 50 years and older. The vaccine is also advised for people who are 19 years of age and older who possess weakened immune systems due to disease or medication.
The vaccination doesn’t promises a shingles-free life. But the vaccine ensures protection that decreases the course and danger of the disease. Also, since it functions as a preventive option, shingles vaccine is not meant to treat people who currently possess the disease.
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The Survey
The global survey was conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a global healthcare company. Launched during Shingles Awareness Week (24 February – 2 March 2025), the online research involved participation of 8,400 adults aged between 50 years and 60 years, including 500 respondents from India.
According to the Survey, 61% of respondents from India reported living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease. However, only 49.8% indicated significant concern regarding developing shingles. Globally, 54% of participants had chronic conditions, but only 13% conveyed concern about shingles.
