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Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles starts with a tingling sensation in the area affected, followed by pain. You may have a fever and feel unwell, though some people have no other symptoms.

After about five days a rash appears. The rash occurs on one side of the body, often over the ribs, but may appear elsewhere. As in chickenpox, it takes the form of blisters containing virus particles. About three days after appearing, they turn yellowish and within a few days flatten, dry out and crust over. An episode of shingles usually lasts for 2-4 weeks.  

Some people experience pain following an attack, due to damage to the nerves, known as postherpetic neuralgia. This can last months and occasionally years.

A person with shingles can pass on the virus (which would cause chickenpox in another person who has not previously had chickenpox). The person is contagious until the last blister has scabbed over. The virus spreads through direct contact with open blisters. A person with chickenpox or shingles cannot give someone shingles as shingles is a re- activation of the virus.

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