It all began with an unusual rash. At first glance, it resembled clusters of severe acne, but my partner insisted it was quite painful. “Should I see a doctor?” he asked. Thank goodness I urged him to do so. Just two hours later, he called me with shocking news: “I have shingles.”
At just 35, I was under the impression that shingles only affected older adults. I also mistakenly believed it was highly contagious, which sent me into a panic. Plus, I thought it would clear up quickly. Turns out, I was completely wrong.
What Exactly Is Shingles?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), shingles is triggered by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox or received the vaccine, you can develop shingles — and about 1 in 3 Americans will experience it in their lifetime. The virus can lay dormant in your nervous system and reactivate later (scientists still aren’t sure why).
As for the idea that shingles is only an “old person’s disease?” Not true. I discovered that two friends in their 30s had also experienced it. In fact, even children can come down with shingles, as noted by the CDC. While most people only have it once, some may suffer from multiple outbreaks. Luckily, there is a vaccine, and my partner’s doctor mentioned he could receive it five years post-infection.
Symptoms of Shingles
My partner initially experienced mild nerve pain in the area where the rash would eventually appear. A few days later, the rash manifested, which resembled acne in his case. It can also present as fluid-filled blisters, typically occurring on one side of the body. The kicker? The pain is excruciating, as confirmed by every medical source and my partner. He also faced symptoms like fever, headaches, sensitivity to light, and fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic. The blisters were painful, but so were his nerves and muscles. He described it as feeling like he’d been scalded with hot water, constantly.
After 2-7 days (two days in his case, thanks to my insistence on immediate antiviral treatment), the blisters began to crust over. While the pain lessened after a week, he still felt discomfort.
The Chickenpox Connection
When I found out my partner had shingles, I panicked. Since shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, I suddenly worried about our two kids who weren’t fully vaccinated against chickenpox (we thought they were up to date until we checked with the doctor). Cue my parental meltdown, especially after a quick search on Dr. Google.
Keep in mind: Dr. Google tends to showcase the worst-case scenarios. Yes, shingles can transmit chickenpox to those who are unvaccinated, but only through direct contact with the fluid from the blisters (yikes!). Thankfully, you’re not contagious before the blisters erupt or after they crust over — only when the blisters are oozing. The solution? Avoid touching the rash and practice good hygiene.
The good news? Dr. William Schaffner, an expert in infectious diseases, shared with Live Science that fully vaccinated children are at a significantly reduced risk of developing shingles later in life — with 99% of vaccinated kids never contracting it. So, another reason to ensure your children are vaccinated!
How Long Does Shingles Last?
In short, shingles is a nightmare. For most individuals without quick access to antiviral medications, the ordeal can last anywhere from two to four weeks. One side effect of shingles and the antivirals that my partner experienced, which isn’t often discussed, is severe mood swings. This can be attributed to both the pain and the nervous system being disrupted. My partner has been mostly exhausted and in pain, which has been quite challenging.
Complications
Fortunately, my partner has been lucky so far, but complications can arise and they can be serious. According to Drug Topics, about 10-15% of all ages may develop postherpetic neuralgia, where severe pain lingers for months or even years after the rash fades. The risk increases with age, but it’s rare in those under 40, like my partner. If shingles occurs near the face, it can lead to vision loss or even encephalitis (brain swelling), as per the CDC. The Mayo Clinic also notes that complications can include facial paralysis and balance issues.
Treatment Options
The primary treatment is antiviral medication. My partner was prescribed strong antivirals taken five times a day for a week, and it was often hard to discern whether his symptoms stemmed from the shingles or the medication. Pain relief is essential, and while my partner relied on over-the-counter meds, the Mayo Clinic offers a range of prescription options for severe pain.
Thank goodness we’re nearing the end of this ordeal. Our kids have yet to contract chickenpox, and while my partner still exhibits some grumpy bear tendencies, his pain is subsiding and he’s regaining his strength, even if it means binge-watching Netflix (he joked about how bad it is when he’s watching the entire “Children of Dune” series). I’m just relieved I encouraged him to see a doctor promptly. If you find yourself with a painful rash, don’t hesitate to call your physician. Quick access to antivirals can significantly reduce the duration of severe pain.
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Summary
Shingles can be a painful and distressing condition, affecting individuals of all ages. It is caused by the same virus as chickenpox and can lead to a range of severe symptoms and complications. Early treatment with antivirals is crucial for easing pain and speeding recovery. Vaccination can significantly lower the risk of developing shingles later in life.