Did you know? Approximately one in three people in the United States will have shingles at some point in their life, according to the CDC.

If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, you’re at risk of having to deal with this painful viral rash as you age. Our AFC Urgent Care Louisville team provides more information about shingles below, so keep reading!

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of the torso.

The signs and symptoms of shingles usually affect only a small section of one side of the body, and we’ve listed the most common ones below.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Shingles

• Pain, burning, numbness or tingling
• Sensitivity to touch
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching

What Causes Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who’s had chickenpox may develop shingles, due to the virus lying dormant in your nervous system for years afterward. The varicella-zoster virus is contagious, while shingles itself isn’t.

Although those that has have chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles later in life, it won’t happen to everyone. If you believe you may have shingles, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. Additionally, it’s important to do what you can to prevent spreading the virus to others if you do have shingles. We’ve listed how to do so below.

Ways to Prevent Shingles Spread

• Keep the shingles rash clean and covered. This can help prevent other people from coming into contact with your blisters.
• Wash your hands often. Also, try not to touch the blisters.
• Avoid being around pregnant women.
• Avoid other at-risk people.

Shingles isn’t something to take lightly! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our AFC team if you have any non-emergency health concerns.