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Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash which can affect anyone who has had chickenpox in the past. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve cells. Later in life, often due to factors like stress or a weakened immune system, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles.

While the exact reasons for this reactivation aren't fully understood, it's believed a decline in the body's immune response plays a significant role.

Here are some of the symptoms of shingles:

•  Pain, burning, tingling, or itching in a specific area

•  Sensitivity to touch

•  Fever and chills

•  Headache

•  Fatigue

•  Upset stomach

•  Red rash that turns into fluid-filled blisters (commonly on one side of the body)

•  Blisters that scab over within 7–10 days

•  Rash typically appears on one side of the body, often around the torso or face

The shingles rash typically heals within two to five weeks. However, during this period, the virus is contagious, so it's important to avoid contact with individuals who haven't had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, especially pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems.

Some individuals experience persistent nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) which can cause burning or stabbing pain, and in some cases, the discomfort continues for months or even years after the rash has resolved. The risk of developing PHN increases with age; approximately 50% of individuals aged 70 and older who have had shingles may develop PHN.

Other rare but serious complications of shingles can include vision loss, nerve damage, scarring, and, in very rare cases, heart attack or stroke. These complications underscore the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce the risk of long-term effects.

If you think you might have shingles, it's important to seek medical attention promptly, especially if the rash is painful or close to your eyes.