Shingles Explained: The Reawakening of Chickenpox Virus

Many of us think of chickenpox as a childhood illness—a harmless rite of passage that fades into memory once the itchy blisters heal.

I always thought chickenpox was just part of growing up, something we all go through and forget about once it’s over. However, what many don't realize is that the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox, never truly leaves the body. It lies dormant in the nervous system, only to reawaken years later as shingles, a painful condition that can take a serious toll on your health.

I learned about shingles through a radio interview with Family Medicine and Geriatrics Expert, Dr. Cheridine Oro-Josef. She described shingles as a virus "coming to life like a dormant volcano," and I couldn't agree more after learning about its effects. The pain associated with shingles, particularly postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain), can be excruciating, with some people describing it as “barbed wires” piercing the skin. Dr. Oro-Josef's patients often describe the pain as lingering for months, or even years, after the rash itself has healed.

Shingles is most common in older adults, especially those over the age of 50, and individuals with weakened immune systems due to health conditions like asthma, coronary heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. About 24% of adults aged 50 to 59, or roughly 2 million Filipinos, are at risk of developing shingles.

The signs of shingles can be easy to miss at first. It may begin with a burning, tingling, or itching sensation on one side of the body—often a sign that something worse is coming. Eventually, a painful rash appears, and the virus can cause sharp, shooting pain, fever, headaches, and fatigue. This stage can last for more than 10 days, and in severe cases, the pain can continue long after the rash is gone.

Dr. Oro-Josef also emphasized the importance of isolation if you have shingles, since the virus can spread through direct contact with fluid from blisters. For those who haven't had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, exposure to shingles can actually result in contracting chickenpox.

Prevention is key. Dr. Oro-Josef recommends staying on top of your health by managing stress, eating well, staying active, and most importantly, getting vaccinated. While shingles treatment can be costly, it’s far more effective to take proactive measures to prevent it.

If you’ve ever had chickenpox, or if you’re over the age of 50, talk to your doctor about shingles prevention. Early treatment can make a huge difference in reducing the severity of the condition and preventing complications. With the right knowledge and proactive steps, you can protect yourself and keep shingles at bay.

For more information on shingles, its symptoms, and prevention, visit www.whatisshingles.ph.