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A guide to the potential complications of shingles, who is most at risk of serious illness, and how vaccination can help reduce the likelihood of severe and long-lasting symptoms.
Yes. Although the shingles rash is the most visible symptom, the condition primarily affects the nerves. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates within nerve tissue — as the virus travels along the affected nerve, it can cause inflammation, irritation and significant pain. For some people, the pain associated with shingles can be much more severe than the rash itself.
The rash itself usually develops as clusters of fluid-filled blisters, often affecting one side of the body or face.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common long-term complication of shingles. It occurs when nerve damage caused by the infection continues to trigger pain even after the rash has healed. PHN can significantly affect quality of life and is one of the main reasons healthcare professionals encourage shingles prevention.
Yes. Shingles can damage the nerves affected by the infection, leading to persistent pain long after the skin has recovered. The likelihood of long-term nerve pain increases with age — adults over 60 are significantly more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia than younger individuals.
Preventing shingles through vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of long-term nerve complications.
Shingles can occasionally affect the face and eyes — a condition sometimes referred to as ophthalmic shingles — when the virus affects nerves supplying the eye and surrounding tissues.
Eye involvement can potentially lead to corneal damage, vision impairment and long-term eye problems. Anyone who develops a shingles rash near the eye should seek medical attention promptly — do not wait to see whether symptoms resolve on their own.
Although less common, shingles can sometimes lead to additional complications. These become more likely in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Anyone who has previously had chickenpox can develop shingles, but some people are at greater risk of severe illness and complications. The risk increases steadily with age — which is why prevention becomes increasingly important as we get older.
Although antiviral medications can help reduce the severity of shingles when started early, they cannot completely eliminate the risk of complications. Once shingles develops, it is not always possible to prevent nerve damage or postherpetic neuralgia.
For many people, vaccination provides reassurance as well as protection.
The Shingrix vaccine helps strengthen the immune system’s ability to control the varicella-zoster virus. Shingrix has been shown to provide a high level of protection, particularly in older adults who are most at risk of severe shingles and long-term complications. While no vaccine can guarantee complete protection, vaccination significantly lowers the risk of shingles-related illness.
If you’re unsure whether the shingles vaccine is suitable for you, our pharmacy team can discuss your eligibility and help you understand your options.
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