The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a crucial public health alert concerning a potentially severe four-week illness that many Britons underestimate. Shingles, a painful condition characterised by a distinctive rash, is responsible for approximately 50 fatalities in the United Kingdom every single year.
Understanding the Shingles Threat
In a recent social media post on platform X, the UKHSA highlighted the significant risks associated with shingles. This condition is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Once an individual recovers from chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the body for decades, only to re-emerge later in life as shingles when immunity declines.
The agency emphasised that this reactivation is particularly perilous for individuals aged 65 and over. "If you've had chickenpox, you can develop shingles as you get older," the UKHSA stated. It is vital to understand that shingles cannot be caught from another person; it only occurs in those who have previously contracted chickenpox, even if the initial infection was mild or went unnoticed.
Recognising the Symptoms
According to UKHSA guidance, the initial signs of shingles often include a tingling sensation or localised pain on one side of the face or body, sometimes accompanied by a headache or general malaise. A rash typically develops a few days later, progressing through several stages.
- The rash begins as red blotches, which then form itchy, fluid-filled blisters.
- These blisters eventually crust over and heal, a process that can take up to four weeks.
- The skin may remain painful for weeks after the visible rash has disappeared.
- It is crucial to note the rash usually appears on only one side of the body.
The NHS provides further detail, noting the rash can be harder to see on brown and black skin. In rare instances, shingles can occur without any visible rash at all, making diagnosis more challenging.
Serious Complications and Annual Death Toll
The UKHSA warned that public awareness of shingles' severity is dangerously low. While some cases are mild, the condition can lead to debilitating, long-term effects. A common and severe complication is post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a persistent nerve pain that can last for months or even years after the rash clears, with some patients never fully recovering.
Other potential complications listed by the NHS include:
- Secondary bacterial infections of the rash, requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Permanent scarring or changes in skin pigmentation.
- Muscle weakness in the affected area.
- Serious eye problems, which can potentially lead to sight loss.
- Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a rare condition affecting facial nerves and hearing.
The agency stressed that these complications contribute to the sobering statistic of around 50 shingles-related deaths annually in the UK.
Action and Prevention: The NHS Shingles Vaccine
If you suspect you have shingles, the NHS advises adults aged 18 and over to consult a pharmacist as soon as possible, ideally within three days of the rash appearing. Urgent medical attention from a GP or via NHS 111 is recommended for specific groups, including pregnant women, those with the rash near their eyes or nose, or individuals with severely weakened immune systems.
Critically, a shingles vaccine is available free on the NHS for eligible groups. This includes:
- People who turned 65 on or after 1 September 2023.
- Individuals aged 70 to 79 who have not yet been vaccinated.
- Adults aged 18 and over with a severely compromised immune system.
The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing shingles. For those who do contract the illness after vaccination, symptoms are typically much milder. It is important to get vaccinated even if you have had shingles before, as reinfection is possible. The Shingles Support Society estimates that roughly 194,000 people in England and Wales are affected by shingles each year, underscoring the importance of this public health message.
