Guiding through shingles outbreak: A detailed procedure
Shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), is a common health concern that primarily affects adults. This virus, which also causes chickenpox, spreads through direct contact with the fluid from the active blisters of a person who has shingles [1][2][3].
Here's what you need to know about shingles, its transmission, and how to manage it:
Transmission and Contagion
Shingles spreads through direct contact with the fluid from the active blisters of a person who has shingles. It is not spread by casual contact, coughing, or sneezing [1][2][3]. The risk of transmission is highest while the rash is in the blister stage before the blisters have crusted over. Once the blisters dry out and form scabs, the person is generally no longer contagious [1][2][3].
Preventing Transmission
To prevent the spread of shingles, it is essential to keep the affected area fully covered with clothing or bandages so others do not come into contact with the blister fluid [1][2][4]. Avoid touching or scratching the rash; if touched accidentally, wash hands thoroughly immediately [2].
Avoid close personal contact, especially with people at higher risk of complications, such as pregnant individuals, newborns or infants, and people with weakened immune systems [5]. Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, to minimize the risk of transmission [1][5]. Inform relevant people (e.g., cabin crew if traveling) discreetly if needed, to ensure assistance and understanding [2].
Treatment and Recovery
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends contacting a doctor within the first 3 days of the rash appearing for antiviral medications [2]. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as acetaminophen, can be used when necessary.
Participating in enjoyable activities, eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of rest, doing gentle exercise, reducing stress, and finding help and support from family or friends can help people feel better during recovery [6].
Vaccination
Vaccination can prevent chickenpox and reduce the risk of shingles. Non-immune contacts may be offered post-exposure vaccination after contact with active lesions [3]. Those with shingles should get the vaccine once the rash has resolved completely to prevent future reoccurrence [7].
People with weakened immune systems may receive Shingrix in two doses 2-6 months apart, or sooner if they have immune system issues [7]. The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications in healthy adults [1].
Caring for Someone with Shingles
If you are caring for someone with shingles, the best way to avoid getting shingles is to not touch the rash or any items that come in contact with it [8]. When handling garments, wound dressings, towels, or bedsheets that touch the rash, caregivers should use gloves and wash their hands thoroughly with soap and hot water [9]. Covering a shingles rash with gauze or a bandage is key to preventing the virus from spreading [10].
Recovery and Healing
A shingles rash can be itchy, painful, and uncomfortable. Placing a cool, clean, damp washcloth over the rash several times per day for 5-10 minutes can provide relief. Applying calamine lotion to the rash area can also provide relief [11]. It takes several weeks for a shingles rash to clear up [12]. Wearing loose-fitting, lightweight, natural-fiber clothing can help with a shingle rash [13].
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common complication of shingles that can cause nerve pain that lasts for months or years after the rash clears [4].
In summary, shingles is contagious only through direct contact with active blister fluid, and preventing spread primarily involves covering the rash, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding contact with vulnerable people until blisters have healed and crusted [1][2][3][4][5]. Vaccination can help prevent shingles and its complications, and caring for someone with shingles requires careful handling to avoid transmission.
- Shingles, a contagious condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, primarily affects adults and is spread through direct contact with the fluid from active blisters.
- It is essential to keep the affected area covered with clothing or bandages to prevent the spread of shingles, and avoiding touching or scratching the rash is advisable.
- The risk of transmission is highest while the rash is in the blister stage before the blisters have crusted over, and once the blisters dry out and form scabs, the person is generally no longer contagious.
- Participating in enjoyable activities, eating a nutritious diet, getting plenty of rest, doing gentle exercise, reducing stress, and finding help and support from family or friends can help with recovery.
- The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and its complications in healthy adults, and people with weakened immune systems may receive it in two doses 2-6 months apart.
- Postherpetic neuralgia, a common complication of shingles, can cause nerve pain that lasts for months or years after the rash clears.
- To prevent transmission, avoid close personal contact, especially with people at higher risk of complications, such as pregnant individuals, newborns or infants, and people with weakened immune systems.
- Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, to minimize the risk of transmission, and inform relevant people if needed to ensure assistance and understanding.
