Algoma Public Health

Shingles

An infection caused by a herpes virus. The same virus causes chickenpox.
Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles.
The virus remains sleeping in certain nerve cells of the body for months/years and then awakens.
Occurs more commonly in older people, those under stress and persons with weakend immune systems; e.g. those with cancer.

A burning pain or tingling and extreme sensitivity in one area of the skin along a nerve tract.
Within 1 – 3 days a red rash appears (in crops).
The rash becomes blister-like, lasting 7-10 days prior to crusting over and healing within 2-4 weeks.
Complications develop in about 10 to 15% of cases; the most common is chronic severe pain or post-herpetic neuralgia. This pain may last weeks to months.
Rash usually affects only one side of the body, most commonly around the upper torso, neck & around the eyes

Sault Ste. Marie: 705-942-4646

Blind River: 705-356-2551

Elliot Lake: 705-848-2314

Wawa: 705-856-7208

Exposed persons are at risk of developing chickenpox, not shingles, within 2 – 3 weeks.

Antiviral medication may be prescribed to speed the healing of the rash & reduce shingles pain. Results are best when started as soon as possible after the rash appear.
If needed, treatment may include pain relievers, cool-compresses, anti-viral medication and ointments.

If symptoms develop, contact your physician immediately for diagnosis and treatment.
While contagious, avoid contact with newborns, pregnant women, and persons with weak immune systems; e.g. illnesses such as cancer, HIV.
Vaccines are available for the prevention of shingles for individuals 50 years of age and older.

Date of Creation: June 1, 2015

Last Modified: June 1, 2018