shingles Misconceptions Debunked: Understanding the reactivation of a Common Virus
A widespread misunderstanding surrounds shingles-it’s not simply an illness you “catch” from someone else, but a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. This clarification, offered by a general practitioner, comes as cases continue to emerge, especially among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Published October 14, 2025, the information aims to correct prevalent myths and improve preventative measures against this often-painful condition.
Shingles affects an estimated 1 million people in the United States annually, and the risk increases with age. While you cannot contract shingles directly from someone with shingles, you can catch chickenpox from someone who has shingles if you’ve never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. The virus lies dormant in nerve cells after a chickenpox infection,and can reactivate decades later as shingles. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both preventing the spread of chickenpox and seeking timely treatment for shingles to minimize complications like postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic pain condition.
the GP explains that many believe shingles is solely an elderly person’s disease, but reactivation can occur at any age, especially with compromised immunity. Stress, illness, and certain medications can all trigger the virus to re-emerge. Symptoms typically begin with pain,itching,or tingling in a specific area on one side of the body,followed by a blistering rash.
Early diagnosis and antiviral treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset are vital to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.A vaccine is available and recommended for adults aged 50 and older, even if they’ve had shingles before, to boost immunity and substantially lower the risk of future outbreaks.
