Shingles is a viral infection that can cause pain, tingling and a blistering rash, usually on one side of the body. It is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body and can reactivate years later as shingles.
For many people, shingles is painful but manageable. However, it can sometimes lead to complications, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems. The good news is that treatment is available, and the NHS also offers a shingles vaccine to eligible groups to help reduce the risk.
What Is Shingles?
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Shingles, also called herpes zoster, happens when the chickenpox virus becomes active again in the body. You cannot catch shingles directly from another person, but someone with shingles can pass the virus on to a person who has never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox instead. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
The virus may reactivate later in life if the immune system is weaker, which is one reason shingles becomes more common with age. It can also be more likely in people who are unwell or receiving treatments that affect immunity.
What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?
The first signs of shingles are often a tingling, burning or painful feeling in an area of skin, along with a headache or a general feeling of being unwell. A rash usually appears a few days later. In some cases, shingles can cause pain before the rash appears.
The rash is most often found on the chest or tummy and usually affects only one side of the body, though it can also appear on the face, eyes or genitals. The rash can turn into fluid-filled blisters and may be itchy, sore or tender.
| Common Shingles Symptom | What It May Feel or Look Like |
|---|---|
| Tingling or burning skin | An unusual sensation before the rash appears |
| Pain or tenderness | The area may feel sore, sensitive or painful |
| Headache or feeling unwell | Some people feel generally run down at the start |
| Blistering rash | Usually appears on one side of the body |
| Itching | The affected skin may become itchy or irritated |
What Should You Do If You Think You Have Shingles?
If you think you may have shingles, it is important to seek medical advice quickly. NHS guidance says treatment works best when started as soon as possible after symptoms begin, especially antiviral medicine.
You can also take practical steps to ease discomfort while recovering. These include keeping the rash clean and dry, wearing loose clothing to reduce irritation, and using pain relief if appropriate. NHS advice also notes that cool compresses may help soothe the area.
Shingles Treatment
Shingles often clears up on its own within a few weeks, but antiviral medicine may help shorten the illness and reduce its severity, particularly if started early. Pain relief may also be used if the rash is painful.
Some people are more likely to be offered antiviral treatment, including those with a weakened immune system, more severe pain or rash, or shingles affecting areas beyond the chest, tummy and back.
Self-care tips for shingles
- Keep the rash clean and dry
- Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid rubbing the rash
- Use a cool damp cloth to soothe the area
- Take pain relief if suitable for you
- Avoid using antibiotic cream unless a clinician advises it
- Avoid sticking plasters or dressings directly over the rash unless you have been told to do so by a healthcare professional
How Can You Avoid Getting Shingles?
It is not always possible to prevent shingles completely, but vaccination can reduce the risk and may also reduce the severity of illness if shingles does occur. This is especially important for older adults and people at higher risk of complications.
Who Can Get a Free NHS Shingles Vaccine?
NHS shingles vaccine eligibility has expanded in recent years. As of 2026, the routine programme includes people turning 65 from 1 September each year, people aged 70 to 79 as part of the catch-up programme, and people aged 18 or over who are severely immunosuppressed.
Government and NHS guidance also states that if you are severely immunosuppressed, there is no upper age limit for eligibility in that cohort.
When Should You Have the Shingles Jab?
The shingles vaccine is offered all year round. The standard schedule is 2 doses of Shingrix. For most eligible people, the second dose is given 6 to 12 months after the first. For severely immunosuppressed people, the second dose is usually given sooner, around 8 weeks to 6 months after the first dose.
Where Can You Get the Shingles Vaccine?
In most cases, you can get the shingles vaccine through your GP practice. If you think you are eligible but have not been contacted, you should speak to your GP surgery.
Who Is Most at Risk from Shingles?
Shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, but it is more common in older adults and in people whose immune system is weakened by illness or medical treatment. This is why vaccination and early medical advice are particularly important in these groups.
FAQ About Shingles
What are the first signs of shingles?
The first signs are often tingling, burning or pain in an area of skin, followed by feeling unwell or getting a headache. A rash usually appears a few days later.
Can you catch shingles from someone else?
You do not catch shingles directly from another person, but someone with shingles can pass on the chickenpox virus to a person who has never had chickenpox.
Where does the shingles rash usually appear?
The rash is usually on the chest or tummy and commonly affects just one side of the body, although it can appear elsewhere too.
Does the NHS offer a free shingles vaccine?
Yes. In 2026, the NHS shingles programme includes eligible people turning 65, people aged 70 to 79 in the catch-up programme, and severely immunosuppressed adults aged 18 and over.
How many doses is the shingles vaccine?
The shingles vaccine used in the NHS programme is given in 2 doses. The timing between doses depends on whether the person is immunosuppressed.
Shingles is a painful viral infection that often starts with tingling or pain and then develops into a one-sided rash. Early treatment can help, and vaccination remains one of the best ways to reduce the risk and impact of the illness. If you think you have shingles or believe you may be eligible for the vaccine, it is worth speaking to your GP or NHS services promptly.
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