Vaccination Pricing

£225 or £450 dependent on vaccine used

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Pain & tingling
• Rash with blisters
• Fever

Rash can develop on the upper body on one side, also can develop on the neck, head and around the eyes.

Who is at risk?

You are at risk if:

• You have a weakened immune system
• Aged over 50
• Become ill
• Significate stress

The Vaccination: Zostavax

The Vaccination: Shingrix

*Vaccines work best if given time to become active. This vaccine can be given up to the day before travel and will provide some cover.

How do you catch Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus can remain dormant in the nerve cells after a person recovers from chickenpox and can reactivate later in life, leading to shingles. The primary route of transmission for shingles is through direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters of an active shingles rash. Here are the main ways in which shingles can be transmitted:

1. Close contact with shingles rash: Direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters of a shingles rash can transmit the varicella-zoster virus. If a person who has never had chickenpox or has not received the chickenpox vaccine comes into contact with the fluid from the shingles blisters, they may develop chickenpox, not shingles.
2. Airborne transmission: Although less common, it is possible to contract shingles through airborne transmission if a person comes into contact with respiratory droplets containing the varicella-zoster virus from an individual with an active shingles rash. This method of transmission is less frequent than direct contact.

It's important to note that shingles is not directly contagious in the sense that it cannot be transmitted from a person with shingles to someone else who already had chickenpox or has received the chickenpox vaccine. However, if a person who has never had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated comes into contact with the varicella-zoster virus, they may develop chickenpox, which can later result in shingles if the virus becomes dormant in their nerve cells.

If you have not had chickenpox or have not received the chickenpox vaccine, it is advisable to avoid direct contact with individuals who have active shingles to reduce the risk of contracting the varicella-zoster virus.

Who is at risk from Shingles?

Shingles can affect anyone who has previously had chickenpox, as the virus responsible for shingles is the same varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox. However, certain factors can increase the risk of developing shingles or experiencing more severe symptoms. The following groups are generally considered to be at higher risk:

1. Older adults: The risk of shingles increases with age. As individuals get older, their immune system may weaken, making them more susceptible to shingles. The majority of shingles cases occur in adults over the age of 50.
2. Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing cancer treatment, or taking immunosuppressive medications, have a higher risk of shingles. Immune system suppression allows the varicella-zoster virus to reactivate and cause shingles.
3. History of chickenpox: Anyone who has previously had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life. The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the nerve cells after a chickenpox infection and can reactivate as shingles.
4. Stress and illness: Physical or emotional stress, as well as certain illnesses, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of shingles.
5. Gender: Women are slightly more likely than men to develop shingles, though the reason for this difference is not fully understood.

It's important to note that shingles is not contagious in the sense that it cannot be transmitted from a person with shingles to someone else who has already had chickenpox or has received the chickenpox vaccine. However, direct contact with the fluid-filled blisters of a shingles rash can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to individuals who have not had chickenpox, potentially leading to a case of chickenpox rather than shingles.

Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, typically presents with a distinct pattern of symptoms. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration from person to person. The common symptoms of shingles include:

1. Rash: The most characteristic symptom of shingles is a rash that typically appears as a painful, red, and blistering rash. The rash usually develops on one side of the body or face, following a specific nerve pathway.
2. Pain and Sensation Changes: Before the rash appears, many individuals experience pain, tingling, itching, or a burning sensation in the affected area. This pain can range from mild to severe and may persist even after the rash resolves.
3. Blistering: The rash progresses to fluid-filled blisters that break open and form crusts. The blisters are often grouped together and may be surrounded by redness and inflammation.
4. Itching: The rash can be accompanied by intense itching, causing discomfort and irritation.
5. Nerve-related Symptoms: Shingles affects the nerves, so some individuals may experience additional symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or heightened sensitivity in the affected area.
6. Flu-like Symptoms: In some cases, individuals with shingles may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and general malaise.

It's important to note that the symptoms of shingles typically occur in a specific region of the body, corresponding to the affected nerve pathway. If you suspect you have shingles or experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early intervention can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and speed up recovery.