A doctor shared the early symptoms of shingles to be aware of, before the tell-tale rash appears.
A doctor has shared the ‘flu-like’ symptoms that could actually be a sign of something more serious. Dr John Burke, Chief Medical Officer at AXA Health insurance, has revealed the early symptoms of shingles to be aware of, before the tell-tale rash appears.
Characterised by a red skin rash that causes pain and burning, shingles is a viral infection caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus. The virus, which also causes chickenpox, can lie dormant in the body after you recover from chickenpox. In some cases, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles to develop.
Dr Burke revealed the main symptoms of shingles to be aware of, other than the red rash that forms on the skin, after a few days of being unwell. The doctor said: “Often presenting flu-like symptoms in its early stages, shingles can often be mistaken for other viral infections, such as the common cold, before the skin rash forms.
“Being able to identify symptoms other than the red skin rash, that usually forms after a few days of being unwell, can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness, as you can seek antiviral medications and pain management sooner. The red skin rash often develops on one side of the body and advances into fluid-filled blisters, which can be itchy and burst.
“It’s important to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus during this stage, in addition to avoiding scratching and using topical creams to ease the pain. You are no longer contagious once the blisters dry out and scab over.”
Seven early symptoms of shingles
- Headache
- Fever
- Nerve pain
- Muscle aches
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Burning, tingling, or throbbing sensations on the skin
Dr Burke also shared a list of factors that could ‘trigger’ the virus. He said: “While the reactivation of the Varicella Zoster Virus can occur unpredictably, there are certain factors that can trigger the virus reactivating, such as a weakened immune system, increased stress levels and age.”
These factors include a weakened immune system, increased stress levels and age. The doctor added that anyone with an autoimmune disease or going through chemotherapy could be “more susceptible” to reactivating the virus.
He said: “Chronic stress is known to impact overall immune health. High cortisol levels, associated with prolonged stress, can impair the immune system’s ability to suppress dormant infections, which can increase the chances of the virus reactivating.
“Shingles can affect anybody who has previously had chickenpox, but as we age our immune response naturally weakens, increasing the risk of the virus reactivating.”
The doctor added that there are a number of myths or misconceptions around shingles that are incorrect. Specifically, he discussed whether shingles is contagious and if it affects people of all ages.
He said: “The misconception that shingles affects only the older generations is incorrect. Shingles can affect anybody, at any age, who has previously had chickenpox (Varicella Zoster Virus). This virus lies dormant in the body and can activate, causing shingles to develop. Whilst children can get shingles, it’s more common in people 50 years and above.”
He added: “If you have shingles, it’s best to stay home until your rash has scabbed over, especially around people with weakened immune systems, or those who haven’t had chickenpox.”
