What Is Shingles – Myths And Facts

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that can affect people of all ages, especially those over the age of 50. It is a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes chickenpox. Once someone has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. It may then reactivate years later as shingles. Despite being a common condition, there are still many myths and misconceptions surround it. Let’s debunk five of the most widespread misconceptions.

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Myth 1: Shingles Only Affects The Elderly

Fact: While shingles is more common in older adults due to a weakened immune system, it can affect people of any age. This includes children and young adults, particularly those with weakened immune systems due to stress, illness, or medication.

Myth 2: You Can Catch It From Someone Else

Fact: Shingles is not contagious in the way the flu or a cold is. You cannot catch it from another person. However, a person with an active rash can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. This may then potentially cause chickenpox in the newly infected person.

Myth 3: It Is Just A Skin Rash

Fact: Shingles is much more than a skin condition. While the visible rash is a key symptom, the condition also causes intense nerve pain that can last for weeks or even months, a complication known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). In Singapore, PHN is a leading reason older adults seek medical attention for pain management post-infection.

Myth 4: You Can Only Get Shingles Once

Fact: It’s possible to get it more than once. Although many people only experience it once in their lifetime, some do have recurrent episodes. This makes preventive strategies such as vaccination increasingly important, especially for the elderly population in Singapore.

Myth 5: Shingles Is Not Preventable

Fact: There is a vaccine available to help prevent shingles and its complications. In Singapore, the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and above. It significantly reduces the risk of both the infection and its severity, including the risk of postherpetic neuralgia.

Protecting Yourself In Singapore

Understanding what shingles is and separating fact from fiction is vital for better health outcomes. In Singapore’s humid climate, skin conditions are common, but shingles stands apart due to its viral nature and long-term nerve complications. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with antiviral medication can reduce the duration and severity of symptoms.

If you are over 50 or have underlying health conditions, speak with your healthcare provider about getting the shingles vaccine. Raising awareness and correcting common misconceptions can go a long way in preventing unnecessary pain and complications among Singaporeans.

Learn More: Shingles Vaccination In Singapore

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