### Shingles: Symptoms, Causes, Contagiousness, Vaccine, Diagnosis, and Treatment **Symptoms:** Shingles is characterized by a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body. The rash starts as small bumps that turn into fluid-filled blisters. These blisters can be red, purple, brown, or grayish, depending on your skin tone. The blisters usually dry out and crust over within 7-10 days. Other symptoms include sensitivity, tingling, headache, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell. **Causes:** Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and can reactivate years later as shingles. **Contagiousness:** You can spread the varicella-zoster virus to people who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. You are contagious until all the sores have crusted over. Avoid contact with pregnant women, people with weak immune systems, and newborns during this time. **Vaccine:** The CDC recommends two doses of the Shingrix vaccine for adults 50 or older to prevent shingles and its complications. The vaccine is also recommended for those 19 or older with weakened immune systems. The vaccine is highly effective, reducing the risk of shingles by 97% in adults aged 50-69. **Diagnosis:** Doctors diagnose shingles by examining your medical history, symptoms, and performing a physical exam. They may also test a small sample of fluid from your blisters. **Treatment:** Antiviral drugs can help you heal faster and reduce the risk of complications. These drugs are most effective if taken within 3 days of the rash's appearance. Pain relief treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths. In severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary. Shingles usually lasts 2-6 weeks, but complications like postherpetic neuralgia can cause pain to persist longer. The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated with Shingrix.