Shingles (Herpes Zoster): What Canadians Need to Know

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the same virus responsible for chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains inactive in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles.

The condition is characterized by a painful, blistering rash and is more common among older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Can Shingles Spread to Others?

Shingles cannot be spread as shingles to another person. However, the virus can spread to someone who has never had chickenpox or has not been vaccinated, causing them to develop chickenpox, not shingles.

The virus is present in the fluid-filled blisters and can spread through direct contact until the blisters have fully crusted over.

Precautions to Take

If the blisters have not healed:

• Avoid contact with people who have never had chickenpox
• Stay away from infants under 12 months, pregnant individuals, and those who are immunocompromised
• Keep the rash covered and maintain good hand hygiene

If shingles develops in a household with unvaccinated children, a doctor should be consulted, as vaccination may be recommended.

Indications and Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles typically causes pain before any visible rash appears, which is an important early warning sign.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning, stinging, or stabbing pain (often days before the rash)
• Red patches that turn into fluid-filled blisters
• Itchiness and skin sensitivity
• Fever, chills, nausea, or diarrhea
• Headache and fatigue
• Difficulty urinating (less common)

The rash most often appears as bands or clusters on one side of the body, usually on the chest, back, or abdomen.

Within about a week, the blisters crust over and eventually fall off. Skin colour changes may remain, and in some cases, pain can persist for months, a complication known as post-herpetic neuralgia.

Management and Medical Treatment

Shingles is typically treated with antiviral medications, which help:

• Reduce the severity of symptoms
• Shorten the duration of the illness
• Lower the risk of long-term nerve pain

These medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.

Pain Control and Symptom Relief

Pain management is an important part of shingles care and may include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Medicated anti-itch lotions to soothe blistered skin
• Cool compresses applied to the rash
• A cloth soaked in cool water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar to reduce itching

Avoid scratching blisters, as this increases the risk of infection and scarring.

First Aid Awareness & When to Seek Help

While shingles itself is not a first aid emergency, recognizing complications is an important skill taught in Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced First Aid courses in Canada.

Seek medical care promptly if:

• The rash appears on the face or near the eyes
• Pain is severe or worsening
• There are signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever)
• The individual has a weakened immune system

Educational & First Aid Training Disclaimer (Integrated)

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. While first aid training helps Canadians recognize infections, complications, and when to seek care, shingles requires assessment and treatment by a healthcare professional.

Learning how to recognize infectious conditions, manage pain safely, and identify warning signs is covered in first aid and CPR courses across Canada.