The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a stark warning to households across the Midlands, highlighting the severe risks associated with shingles—a painful condition that results in approximately 50 fatalities each year in the United Kingdom. Many individuals remain unaware of the potentially fatal nature of this illness, which stems from the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
Understanding the Shingles Threat
Shingles manifests as a distinctive rash and is triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in the body after a person recovers from chickenpox. This reactivation often occurs due to a decline in immunity, particularly as individuals age or experience immunosuppression. The UKHSA emphasises that anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life, with those over 64 facing heightened danger.
It is crucial to note that shingles cannot be transmitted from person to person; it only affects individuals who have previously contracted chickenpox, even if they were asymptomatic at the time.
Recognising the Symptoms
According to the UKHSA, the initial indicators of shingles frequently include a tingling or painful sensation in a specific area of the skin, sometimes accompanied by a headache or a general feeling of malaise. A rash typically emerges a few days later, progressing through several stages:
- Blotches that develop into itchy, fluid-filled blisters
- Blisters that eventually dry out and form scabs
- A rash that appears exclusively on one side of the face or body
- Persistent skin pain that may linger after the rash has healed
The rash can take up to four weeks to heal, and in rare cases, shingles may occur without any visible rash at all.
Potential Complications and Risks
The UKHSA warns that shingles can lead to severe and debilitating effects, with many people underestimating its seriousness. Common complications include:
- Post-herpetic neuralgia: Persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even become permanent
- Infections of the rash, potentially requiring antibiotic treatment
- Scarring or alterations in skin pigmentation
- Eye problems that might result in vision loss
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare condition affecting facial nerves and hearing
With around 50 deaths attributed to shingles annually in the UK, awareness and proactive measures are essential.
Guidance for Suspected Shingles Cases
The NHS advises that adults aged 18 and over who exhibit shingles symptoms should consult a pharmacist promptly, ideally within three days of the rash appearing. Urgent medical attention is recommended for specific groups, including:
- Pregnant individuals or those breastfeeding with a rash on the breasts
- Cases where the rash affects the eyes or nose
- Individuals with vision changes or severely weakened immune systems
- Anyone aged 17 or younger
Additionally, those with shingles should avoid contact with vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, immunocompromised individuals, and infants under one month old, to prevent the spread of chickenpox.
Vaccination and Prevention
The NHS offers a shingles vaccine to eligible groups, including:
- People who turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023
- Individuals aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated
- Adults aged 18 and over with severely weakened immune systems
This vaccine significantly reduces the risk of contracting shingles and can lead to milder symptoms if infection does occur. Even those who have experienced shingles before are encouraged to get vaccinated, as reinfection is possible. The Shingles Support Society estimates that approximately 194,000 people in England and Wales are affected by shingles each year, underscoring the importance of this preventive measure.
