Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS SHINGLES?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox.1,2 After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus ‘rests’ within the nervous system until it ‘reawakens’ to cause shingles.1,2 The condition typically produces a painful blister-like rash on the skin.1

In some cases, shingles can lead to serious complications like herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can persist for months or even years.1-3 These complications can significantly affect quality of life and substantial economic burden.*3,4

*Based on US population data.

References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Health Hub. Herpes zoster (shingles). Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/health-conditions/herpes_zoster. Accessed 21 November 2025.
3. Goh, C. L. & Khoo L. (1997). A retrospective study of the clinical presentation and outcome of herpes zoster in a tertiary dermatology outpatient referral clinic. International Journal of Dermatology, 36, 667–672.
4. Gater, A., et al. (2015). The humanistic, economic and societal burden of herpes zoster in Europe: A critical review. BMC Public Health, 15, 193.

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AM I AT RISK OF SHINGLES?

Over 90% of adults aged 50 and older have been exposed to the chickenpox virus,1* meaning most adults carry the virus that causes shingles. In fact, about 1 in 3 people are at risk of developing shingles in their lifetime.2*. If you are 50 years of age or older, your risk of getting shingles increases due to age-related decline in immunity,3,4 making it easier for the dormant virus to reactivate.3

Other risk factors of shingles include:

  • Chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and chronic kidney disease3,5
  • Other certain infections (e.g., HIV, COVID-19)3,5,6
  • Physical trauma and psychological stress3,7,8
  • A family history of shingles5
  • Having a weakened immune system due to a disease (e.g. cancer) or certain medications that weaken your immunity like steroids, after organ transplantation, and anti-cancer drugs3,5,9

*Based on US population data.

References:
1. Kilgore, P.E., et al. (2003). Varicella in Americans from NHANES III: Implications for control through routine immunization. Journal of Medical Virology, 70(Suppl 1), S111–118.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles facts and stats. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/data-research/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
3. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
4. Weyand, C. M. & Goronzy, J. J. (2016). Aging of the immune system: Mechanisms and therapeutic Targets. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 13(Suppl 5), S422–S428.
5. Steinmann, M., et al. (2024). Risk factors for herpes zoster infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis unveiling common trends and heterogeneity patterns. Infection, 52, 1009–1026.
6. Bhavsar, A., et al. (2022). Increased risk of herpes zoster in adults ≥50 years old diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States. Open Forum Infectious Disease, 9(5):ofac118.
7. Thomas, S. L., et al. (2004). Case-control study of the effect of mechanical trauma on the risk of herpes zoster. British Medical Journal, 328(7437), 439.
8. Schmidt, S. A. J., et al. (2021). Perceived psychological stress and risk of herpes zoster: A nationwide population‐based cohort study. British Journal of Dermatology, 185, 130–138.
9. Chawki, S., et al. (2022). Incidence of complications of herpes zoster in individuals on immunosuppressive therapy: A register-based population study. Journal of Infection, 84, 531–536.

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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SHINGLES?

Shingles often starts with unusual sensations like pain, itching, tickling, or tingling in the area of the skin where the rash will develop.1,2 These sensations can begin at least 1–2 days before any rash is visible.3 Some people may also develop fever, headache, chills, fatigue and upset stomach before the rash appears.1–3

The shingles rash itself typically emerges as red patches that quickly turn into fluid-filled blisters.3,4 These blisters will scab over within 7–10 days, and rash typically clears up in 2–4 weeks.2,3

References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles symptoms and complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Shingles: Signs and symptoms. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/shingles-symptoms. Accessed 26 September 2025.
4. Health Hub. Herpes zoster (shingles). Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/health-conditions/herpes_zoster. Accessed 21 November 2025.

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WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF SHINGLES?

While shingles usually clears up on its own and most people recover fully, the risk of serious complications increases with age.1

The most common complication from shingles is chronic nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN),1–3 affecting about 1 in 5 patients.3 It involves persistent pain in the area where the rash was, lasting for months or even years after the has healed.2,3

When shingles affects the face, it can spread to the eye in up to 25% of cases.4 This condition, called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), causes redness and swelling, and in rare instances, can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.4

Other potential complications can include permanent skin scarring, secondary bacterial infections, hearing problems, and though rare, pneumonia, encephalitis and stroke.2,3

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles facts and stats. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/data-research/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles symptoms and complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
4. Shaikh, S. & Ta, C. N. (2002). Evaluation and management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. American Family Physician, 66, 1723–1730.

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HOW SEVERE IS SHINGLES AND ITS COMPLICATIONS?

The severity of shingles and risk of complications increase with age.1 While most people recover fully, the condition can significantly disrupt daily life.2

The painful rash from shingles outbreak can significantly disrupt daily life, affecting one’s ability to work, overall mood and quality of life, sometimes leading to social withdrawal and depression.2 The financial burden associated with treatment and time off work can also be substantial.2

Some patients may also experience longer-term complications. About 1 in 5 people with shingles may develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN),3 the most common complication of shingles.3,4 It causes severe and debilitating nerve pain that can last months to years after the rashes clear up,3,4 interfering with daily activities.5 When shingles affects the face, it can reach the eye and cause a condition called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO), which occurs in up to 25% of cases.6 In rare instances, this can lead to vision loss.6

Other complications of shingles can include permanent skin scarring, secondary bacterial infections, hearing loss, and very rarely, pneumonia, encephalitis and stroke.3,4

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles facts and stats. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/data-research/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Gatar, A., et al. (2015). The humanistic, economic and societal burden of herpes zoster in Europe: A critical review. BMC Public Health, 15, 193.
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles symptoms and complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
4. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
5. Oster, G., et al. (2005). Pain, medication use, and health-related quality of life in older persons with postherpetic neuralgia: results from a population-based survey. Journal of Pain, 6, 356–363.
6. Shaikh, S. & Ta, C. N. (2002). Evaluation and management of herpes zoster ophthalmicus. American Family Physician, 66, 1723–1730.

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AM I STILL AT RISK IF I HAVEN’T HAD CHICKENPOX?

Since shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, you can only get it if you have had chickenpox before.1,2 However, many people do not remember having chickenpox and may have been exposed to the virus without knowing it. In fact, over 99% of adults aged 50 years and older have been exposed to the chickenpox virus,3* which means most carry it and are at risk for shingles.1

It is important to know that even if you had the chickenpox vaccine, there is still a small chance of developing shingles later in life, though this is less common than after a chickenpox infection.1

*Based on US population data.

References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Health Hub. Herpes zoster (shingles). Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/health-conditions/herpes_zoster. Accessed 21 November 2025.
3. Kilgore, P.E., et al. (2003). Varicella in Americans from NHANES III: Implications for control through routine immunization. Journal of Medical Virology, 70(Suppl 1), S111–118.

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CAN SHINGLES BE TREATED?

There are several treatment options for shingles and starting them early can make a big difference.1 Starting antiviral treatment within 72 hours of rash appearance can help shorten the outbreak and lessen the severity.1,2

Managing the pain associated with shingles is also an important part of treatment.1 As shingles pain can be severe, it is not uncommon for your doctor to prescribe multiple medications to achieve pain relief.2,3 If the pain continues after the rash has gone away (a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia, or PHN),4 seeing a pain specialist can provide you with more specific relief.2,3

References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Albrecht, M.A., Levin, M.J. (2025). Treatment of herpes zoster. UpToDate. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-herpes-zoster. Accessed 26 September 2025.
3. Stankus, S. J., et al. (2000). Management of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia. American Family Physician, 61, 2437–2444.
4. Sacks, G. M. (2013). Unmet need in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. American Journal of Managed Care, 19 (Suppl 1), S207–S213.

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IS SHINGLES TRANSMISSIBLE?

While you cannot catch shingles from another person, the virus can spread to others.1,2 The fluid from shingles blisters contains the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).1 If someone who has never had chickenpox and is not vaccinated touches this fluid, they can develop chickenpox—not shingles.1,2  

Because of this, caregivers should be cautious around infants or young children who have not yet been vaccinated against chickenpox.1 The risk of spreading the virus is low once all the blisters have completely dried and scabbed over.1

References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Health Hub. Herpes zoster (shingles). Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/health-conditions/herpes_zoster. Accessed 21 November 2025.

GSK is not responsible for third-party website content.