What is Shingles and how can I avoid it?

Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful, blistering rash. The pain associated is often described as burning, shooting, or stabbing. The acute pain can last for between 2 to 4 weeks, with some people potentially experiencing complications and chronic pain for months.

The shingles rash develops usually on one side of the body, either on the face, chest, back, abdomen or pelvis. Shingles is a serious disease and 1 in 10 people have nerve pain (which can be severe) caused by shingles.

Shingles Vaccines

Shingles can be difficult to treat once the symptoms break out, so vaccines can play an important role in helping reduce the impact of the infection here in Australia where up to 1 in 3 people experience the disease.

There are now two available vaccines available to reduce the risk of getting an attack of shingles. The vaccine can help reduce the risk of getting shingles and can also make it less severe and shorter if you do get it.

If you're not sure whether you should get the vaccine, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you understand the risks and benefits of vaccination and help you decide whether it's the right choice for you.