There is a vaccine available to adults turning 64, those aged 70 to 79 and others over 18 with weakened immune systems
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a message about one highly contagious illness that can lie dormant in the body for several years after infection. Later in life, the virus may then reawaken, causing a different illness with several uncomfortable symptoms.
On X, formerly Twitter, the UKHSA said: “If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. If you or someone you know is 65 or over, read our blog post to find out how to get protected against this painful condition.”
Chickenpox is a common infection that mostly affects children. Symptoms may include a high temperature, aches, and a loss of appetite, followed by the appearance of small red or pink spots anywhere on the body.
Although most cases improve on their own within one to two weeks, the varicella-zoster virus that causes it may then remain dormant in the body. After several years, one in three adults will develop shingles when this virus reactivates.
The first signs of shingles often include tingling or pain in an area of skin, along with headaches. Typically, a rash develops a few days afterwards, usually on the chest and stomach, but it can appear anywhere.
Official NHS advice explains: “Try to see a pharmacist within three days of the rash appearing. If you need medicine, it can help to speed up your recovery and avoid longer-lasting problems. A pharmacist can give the same antiviral medicines as a GP. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help, if needed.”
The NHS offers a shingles vaccine to all adults turning 64, those aged 70 to 79 and others over 18 with severely weakened immune systems. For the latter category, this generally includes the following people:
- Some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
- Some people with HIV or AIDS
- Some people who’ve recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- People taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system
While most eligible people can have the shingles vaccine, it is unsuitable for those who have had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or to an ingredient in the vaccine.
The NHS adds: “Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. This will usually be by letter, text message, phone or email. Sometimes you might be offered the vaccine during a GP appointment you’re having for another reason.”
For more information, visit the NHS website here.
Symptoms of chickenpox
- A high temperature
- Aches and pains, and generally feel unwell
- Loss of appetite
- Red spots that become blisters and then scabs
Symptoms of shingles
- A tingling or painful feeling in an area of skin
- A headache or feeling generally unwell
- Rash appearing a few days later
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
