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After a person has chickenpox, the virus that causes it can remain inactive in the body for many years. Shingles occurs when the virus becomes active again, usually in older adults. Children can also get Shingles.
Symptoms
A painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. Several days before the rash appears, people often experience pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. In rare cases, usually occurring in people with weakened immune systems, the rash may look similar to a chickenpox rash. Other symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. The blisters typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and will fully clear within 2 to 4 weeks.
Symptoms
A painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. Several days before the rash appears, people often experience pain, itching, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop. In rare cases, usually occurring in people with weakened immune systems, the rash may look similar to a chickenpox rash. Other symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. The blisters typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and will fully clear within 2 to 4 weeks.
Spread
By contact with the fluid from the blisters. When people who have not had chickenpox are exposed to shingles virus, they can develop chickenpox. Shingles does not spread from one person to another.
Spread
By contact with the fluid from the blisters. When people who have not had chickenpox are exposed to shingles virus, they can develop chickenpox. Shingles does not spread from one person to another.
Contagious Period
From the start of the rash until all the blisters have scabbed over.
Contagious Period
From the start of the rash until all the blisters have scabbed over.
Exclusion
Exclusion
Child Care and School: None, if blisters can be completely covered by clothing or a bandage. If blisters cannot be covered, exclude until the blisters have crusted.
Causes
Causes
Varicella zoster virus, a member of the herpes virus family.
Incubation
None. The virus can remain in the body in an inactive state for many years after the original chickenpox infection. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates.
Incubation
None. The virus can remain in the body in an inactive state for many years after the original chickenpox infection. Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus reactivates.
Prevention/Control
Prevention/Control
Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) is the recommended vaccine to prevent shingles and related complications.
Important Note
Important Note
When a pregnant woman or a person with a weak immune system who has not had chickenpox is exposed to shingles, he or she should contact a healthcare provider for possible treatment.
Do not give aspirin to a child with shingles. There is a risk of developing Reye syndrome (a serious condition which can cause death) when children take aspirin for viral illnesses.
Is it Reportable?
Is it Reportable?
Parents/guardians: Inform your school/child care provider if your child has this illness.
Disease Information Print out
Disease Information Print out
Shingles.pdf
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