Varicella is a contagious infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. First infection causes varicella (chickenpox). Re-infection causes herpes zoster (shingles).
The Varicella-Zoster virus can be spread to people who have not had chickenpox before if they have direct contact with fluid on the blisters of someone with shingles. Most people only get Shingles once in their life.
Shingles is more likely to occur in people:
The Varicella-Zoster virus initially causes:
fatigue
These symptoms are followed by a painful rash within 2-3 days.
Antiviral medicines prescribed by your doctor can help prevent complications and relieve the symptoms of shingles. Antiviral treatment should begin within 3 days of the rash appearing.
Over-the counter medicines including paracetamol and ibuprofen can also provide pain relief.
Other ways to manage shingles include:
The best protection against Shingles is vaccination.
The 'Shingrix' vaccination is usually given as a 2 dose vaccination. It will not guarantee that you will not get shingles, but will reduce your chance of developing the disease.
Shingrix does not contain any live varicella zoster virus, so will not give you the disease.
Can I get the vaccination if I'm pregnant? The Shingrix vaccine is recommended either:
Side effects after Shginrix vaccination are minor and temporary. Some may experience:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shingles
https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/zoster-herpes-zoster
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