How Do You Catch Shingles in Adults?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful skin condition that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body. While shingles is more common in older adults, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing it later in life. In this article, we will explore how shingles spreads, how adults catch it, and the steps you can take to protect yourself from the virus.

Understanding Shingles and the Varicella-Zoster Virus

To understand how shingles spreads, it’s important to know a bit about the virus that causes it. The varicella-zoster virus is a member of the herpesvirus family. It causes chickenpox, which is a highly contagious disease common in childhood. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus does not leave the body. Instead, it hides in the nerve cells, where it can remain dormant for many years. Later in life, especially when the immune system is weakened, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Shingles typically causes a painful rash that appears on one side of the body or face. It can be accompanied by itching, burning, and blisters that eventually crust over. The pain can be intense, sometimes lingering for months even after the rash heals, a condition known as postherpetic neuralgia.

How Do Adults Catch Shingles?

Shingles itself is not directly contagious in the same way chickenpox is, but it is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which can be spread in certain situations. Let’s break down the different ways the virus can spread and how you might catch shingles.

1. Contact with Someone Who Has Chickenpox or Shingles

The varicella-zoster virus spreads through direct contact with the rash of someone who is actively infected. This means that you cannot catch shingles directly from someone who has it. However, if a person with shingles has open blisters, the virus can be transmitted to someone who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated against it. The exposed person would then develop chickenpox, not shingles.

If you’ve already had chickenpox, the virus remains in your body in a dormant state. If you are exposed to the virus (from someone with active chickenpox or shingles), it does not cause new chickenpox, but it can trigger the reactivation of the virus as shingles in your own body later on.

The key point here is that shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus can spread from a person with shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox, resulting in chickenpox, not shingles.

2. Weak Immune System

One of the main factors in catching shingles is having a weakened immune system. The varicella-zoster virus lies dormant in the nerve cells after you’ve had chickenpox. Normally, your immune system keeps the virus in check, preventing it from reactivating. However, when your immune system is weakened, it can no longer keep the virus under control, which leads to shingles.

There are several reasons why an adult’s immune system may be weakened, including:

Age: People over the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing shingles because the immune system naturally weakens with age.

Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes, cancer, or autoimmune diseases can impair the immune system and increase the risk of shingles.

Immunosuppressive medications: Medications used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or organ transplants can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

Stress: Physical or emotional stress can weaken your immune defenses, making it easier for the virus to reactivate.

3. Reactivation of the Virus from Childhood Chickenpox

The varicella-zoster virus can remain dormant in the body for many years after someone has recovered from chickenpox. Most people who get chickenpox as children don’t experience any further symptoms. However, in some individuals, the virus may reactivate later in life, often during adulthood. This reactivation causes shingles.

It’s important to note that the risk of developing shingles increases with age. Although it can occur at any time after childhood chickenpox, shingles is more common in older adults, particularly those over the age of 50.

4. Why Do Some People Get Shingles and Others Don’t?

Not everyone who has had chickenpox will develop shingles later in life. Several factors can influence whether or not the virus reactivates, including:

Age: As mentioned, older adults are at higher risk.

Immune system health: A strong immune system may keep the virus dormant, while a weakened immune system makes reactivation more likely.

Genetic factors: Some studies suggest that genetic factors may play a role in determining who is more likely to experience shingles.

Lifestyle factors: Healthy living, such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising, and reducing stress, can help keep your immune system strong, reducing the risk of shingles.

5. Symptoms to Look Out For

The early symptoms of shingles can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, it’s important to be aware of the following signs of shingles:

Pain or tingling: The first symptom of shingles is often pain, itching, or a burning sensation on one side of the body or face. This pain may occur before any rash appears.

Rash: After the pain starts, a rash develops, typically as a band or strip of raised, red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters.

Fever and fatigue: Some people with shingles experience general flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and tiredness.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medications can help reduce the severity of the illness and prevent complications.

6. Preventing Shingles

While it may not always be possible to prevent shingles, there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk:

Get vaccinated: The shingles vaccine is recommended for adults over the age of 50. It can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and the severity of the condition if it does occur. The vaccine is available as a single dose of the Shingrix vaccine, which is highly effective at preventing shingles.

Boost your immune system: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep your immune system strong. This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and managing stress.

Avoid exposure to people with chickenpox: If you have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, avoid contact with anyone who has chickenpox or shingles, as the virus can spread through direct contact with their rash.

Conclusion

Shingles in adults occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body. Although shingles itself is not contagious, the virus can be spread from a person with shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox. Adults with weakened immune systems, older age, or chronic illnesses are at higher risk for shingles. Taking steps to maintain a healthy immune system and getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of developing this painful condition.

If you suspect that you may have shingles, it’s important to seek medical advice early, as early treatment can help lessen the severity and duration of the illness.