Shingles is a painful condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox as a child, that virus never fully left your body. It settled quietly in your nerve cells and can wake up years, even decades, later as shingles. Here we explain why the virus reactivates, who is most at risk, what complications such as postherpetic neuralgia involve, and how shingles vaccination works.
Concerned about shingles or vaccination? View our private shingles vaccination service in Rochdale.
What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus does not disappear. It stays dormant in your body and can reactivate later to cause shingles if your immune system is weakened (NHS, Shingles).
The main symptom is a painful rash, usually on the chest and tummy, though it can appear anywhere including the face, eyes and genitals. It almost always shows up on one side of the body only. The rash can take up to four weeks to heal. You cannot give shingles to other people, but someone could catch chickenpox from you if they have not had it before (NHS, Shingles).
Why does the chickenpox virus reactivate years later?
Following a primary chickenpox infection, the virus travels along sensory nerves and establishes a latent infection. Reactivation can occur decades later, with risk and severity increasing with age (UKHSA, Green Book chapter 28a).
Age-related decline in immunity
While the virus lies dormant, the immune system normally keeps it in check. Reactivation is associated with a decline in cell-mediated immunity linked to ageing or immunosuppression (UKHSA).
Who is most at risk of shingles?
- Older adults. Risk and severity rise with age.
- People with a weakened immune system. Immunosuppression can increase the likelihood and severity of shingles.
Complications: postherpetic neuralgia and more
Shingles can lead to complications including postherpetic neuralgia, bacterial infection, scarring and eye problems. Postherpetic neuralgia is long-lasting nerve pain that continues after the rash has gone and is more common in older people (NHS, Post-herpetic neuralgia).
Shingles vaccination
Vaccination can reduce the chance of developing shingles and its complications. NHS eligibility depends on age and clinical circumstances and can change over time. Check the current NHS shingles vaccine guidance.
If you are considering vaccination privately, our clinical team can assess your individual circumstances and explain whether vaccination is appropriate. Vaccination is subject to clinical assessment and is not guaranteed by booking.
View the shingles vaccination service or book an appointment at our Rochdale clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get shingles if you never had chickenpox?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus reactivating after a previous infection. Anyone who has had chickenpox can be at risk of shingles later in life.
Is shingles contagious?
You cannot catch shingles from someone with shingles. However, a person who has not previously had chickenpox can acquire the varicella-zoster virus from someone with shingles and develop chickenpox (NHS).
How long does shingles last?
The rash can take up to four weeks to heal. Some people develop longer-lasting nerve pain after the rash resolves.
Can I have a shingles vaccine privately?
Private vaccination may be an option for some people. Suitability depends on individual clinical assessment, including relevant health history and medicines.
Private shingles vaccination in Rochdale
Longeva Wellness is located at Unit 1 Chichester Court, Milnrow Road, Rochdale, OL16 1UG, serving patients from Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.
Check the shingles vaccination service or book an appointment.
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