Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful and blistering rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus-the same virus responsible for chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox in the past, the virus remains dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate years later as shingles. This blog post explains how shingles develops, how it spreads, and what Australians need to know about its transmission in 2025.
What Causes Shingles?
Shingles arises when the varicella-zoster virus, which stays inactive in nerve cells after a chickenpox infection, becomes active again. This reactivation can happen many years later and is often triggered by factors such as:
- Age: The risk increases significantly after 50 years of age.
- Weakened immune system: Due to illness, medications, cancer treatments, or HIV/AIDS.
- Stress and trauma: Physical or emotional stress can trigger the virus.
- Other factors: Illness, radiotherapy, or nerve injury.
Sometimes, shingles occurs without any identifiable trigger.
How Do You Get Shingles?
You cannot catch shingles from someone else. Shingles is a reactivation of a virus already present in your body, so it only occurs in people who have had chickenpox before.
However, a person with shingles can spread the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. In such cases, the exposed person may develop chickenpox-not shingles.
How Does the Virus Spread?
The varicella-zoster virus spreads through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters. This can happen by touching the blisters or coming into contact with contaminated items such as bedding, clothing, or towels.
Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not usually spread through coughing or sneezing. Covering the shingles rash with a dressing reduces the risk of passing the virus to others.
When Is a Person with Shingles Infectious?
A person with shingles is contagious until the blisters have dried and crusted over. Once the scabs form, the risk of spreading the virus is very low.
Who Is at Risk of Getting Shingles?
- People who have had chickenpox before (over 95% of Australian adults have had chickenpox by age 30).
- Older adults, especially those over 50.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
- People experiencing significant stress or trauma.
Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?
While shingles usually occurs once in a lifetime, some individuals with weakened immunity may experience multiple episodes.
Preventing Shingles in Australia
Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of shingles. The Australian National Immunisation Program offers the shingles vaccine free for adults aged 70 to 79, with private options available for others.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice symptoms such as a painful, blistering rash, especially if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system, seek medical advice promptly. Early antiviral treatment can reduce the severity and duration of shingles
In Australia, shingles results from the reactivation of the chickenpox virus already present in your body. It cannot be caught from another person, but the virus can spread to those who have never had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox instead. Understanding how shingles develops and spreads helps protect yourself and others. Vaccination and early treatment remain key to managing shingles effectively.