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Shingles, a painful skin rash, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox or been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, it can remain inactive in your nerve tissues. The potential for it to reactivate as shingles, even years or decades later, is a significant long-term risk.

While chickenpox and shingles are different conditions, they are closely linked, with shingles being a later chapter in the story of a chickenpox infection. Understanding this connection is crucial, as it empowers you to take proactive steps in managing your health.

The best way to prevent shingles is to get vaccinated. Book your vaccination slot today.

Differences and Similarities Between Shingles and Chickenpox

1. Origin of the Viruses

-Chickenpox: When someone is first infected with the varicella-zoster virus, it causes chickenpox, a contagious illness characterized by an itchy, widespread rash and flu-like symptoms.

-Shingles: After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus may remain dormant in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles, causing a painful, localized rash typically on one side of the body.

Want to understand chickenpox in detail? Read more to enlighten yourself. 

2. Age of Onset

-Chickenpox: Primarily affects children, usually between the ages of 2 to 10 years.

-Shingles: Typically occurs in adults, most commonly in those over the age of 50 who previously had chickenpox or exposure to the Varicella Zoster virus.

Did you know?

Nearly 1 in 3 adults over 50 will get shingles at some point in their lives, with the highest incidences over the age of 70, highlighting the need for vaccination in this age group.[1] 

Explore at-home vaccinations for adults with TATA 1MG.

3. Symptoms

-Chickenpox: Characterized by a widespread, itchy rash with red spots or blisters, along with fever, fatigue, headache, and loss of appetite.

-Shingles: Causes a painful, localized rash often in a single band on one side of the body, accompanied by burning or tingling sensations, sensitivity to touch, headache, and sometimes fever and chills.

Have you noticed any of these symptoms lately? It’s crucial not to hesitate to get medical attention. Consult a specialist immediately to ensure timely and effective treatment.

4. Contagiousness

-Chickenpox: Highly contagious, spreading easily through direct contact with the rash or via respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing.

-Shingles: Less contagious, spreading only through direct contact with the fluid from the shingles rash, potentially causing chickenpox in someone who has never had it or is not vaccinated for it.

5. Reactivation

-Chickenpox: Occurs when a person is initially infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), leading to a widespread rash and other symptoms.

-Shingles: Develops when the dormant VZV, which remains in the body after a chickenpox infection, reactivates, often due to factors like stress, weakened immunity, or aging.

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6. Vaccination: Dose and Schedule

-Chickenpox: The chickenpox vaccine is typically given in two doses. The first dose is administered between 12 and 15 months of age, and the second dose is given between 4 and 6 years of age.[2]

-Shingles: The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is given in two doses. The first dose is administered between 50 and 60 years of age, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first dose.[3]

Talk to our well-experienced team of doctors to resolve any queries regarding Shingles vaccination.

7. Complications

-Chickenpox can result in complications such as bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, and, rarely, encephalitis (brain inflammation) or severe skin infections.

-Shingles can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that causes severe, long-lasting nerve pain even after the rash has healed.

Remember!

Vaccination is your best defense against shingles, ensuring peace of mind by drastically reducing the risk of painful outbreaks and long-term complications.

Vaccinate Today For A Safer Tomorrow!

(The article is written by Dr. Syeda Aafia, Team Lead and reviewed by Dr. Nitika Makhija, Manager, Disease Content)

Sources

1. Available online at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles/5-things-you-need-know-about-shingles

2. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/varicella/hcp/index.html 

3. Available online at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/index.html