Doctor Urges People To Take Extra Care As Shingles Cases Rise

Superdrug Online Doctor has reported a 50% seasonal spike in shingles consultations as the colder weather sets in, with more people seeking help for sudden painful rashes and nerve pain over recent weeks.

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can affect anyone who has had chickenpox before, but it is most common in older adults and people with a weakened immune system.

While this is a year-round condition, winter often brings added triggers such as stress, disrupted sleep, and a rise in other infections, all of which can impact the immune system and may contribute to flare-ups.

Dr Babak Ashrafi, a member of Superdrug’s Online Doctor team, explained: “Shingles can come as a shock, many people wake up with a burning or tingling pain, followed by a rash that quickly worsens.

“We tend to see more people seeking help in the colder months, when immune systems are under extra strain. The key message is, don’t wait it out. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome.”

Signs and symptoms of shingles

Usually, shingles starts with a tingling, burning or stabbing pain on one side of the body. This is then followed by a red rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. This rash typically appears on the chest or back but can appear elsewhere, including the face.

While many cases improve within 2-4 weeks, shingles can be extremely painful and may lead to complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (long-lasting nerve pain), particularly in older adults.

The NHS urges that if if you’re experiencing these symptoms, you must get in touch with a pharmacist for treatment. 

However, they advise that you should call NHS 111 or get an emergency doctor’s appointment if:

• you’re pregnant
• you’re breastfeeding and the shingles rash is on your breasts
• the rash is on your eye or nose
• you have changes to your vision
• you have a severely weakened immune system, for example, from chemotherapy
• you’re 17 years old or younger.

Is there a shingles vaccine I can get?

Yes, there is a shingles vaccine available for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.

If you are eligible but haven’t been contacted for an appointment, call your GP surgery.

Is shingles contagious?

The NHS says: “You cannot spread shingles to others. But people could catch chickenpox from you if they have not had chickenpox before or have not had the chickenpox vaccine.

“This is because shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus.”

With this in mind, try to avoid anyone who is pregnant or has not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system and young babies.

Should you stay off work with shingles?

The NHS advised people with shingles to stay off work or school if the rash is still oozing fluid (weeping) and cannot be covered, or until the rash has dried out.

“You can only spread the infection to other people while the rash oozes fluid,” it added.

Stay safe.