How To Avoid Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life, often due to a weakened immune system.

While you can’t guarantee complete prevention, you can significantly reduce your risk by taking these steps:

✅ How to Avoid Shingles

💉 1. Get Vaccinated

The best and most effective way to prevent shingles.

▶️ Recommended vaccine: Shingrix

Approved for adults 50 years and older, and for some immunocompromised adults 18+.
Given in 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart.
Over 90% effective at preventing shingles and long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia.

➡️ Ask your doctor or local pharmacy about availability and eligibility.

🛡️ 2. Keep Your Immune System Strong

A weak immune system increases your risk.

Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet.
Get regular exercise.
Sleep 7–9 hours per night.
Avoid chronic stress (practice relaxation or mindfulness).
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.

🚫 3. Avoid Exposure to People with Active Shingles or Chickenpox

While you can’t “catch shingles” from someone else, someone with active shingles can transmit chickenpox to someone who has never had it.

Don’t touch the rash or blisters.
Keep distance from infants, pregnant people, and immunocompromised individuals if you have an active case.

🧠 4. Know Your Risk Factors

Shingles risk increases with:

Age (especially over 50)
Stress or trauma
Certain medications (like chemotherapy or steroids)
Immune conditions (e.g. HIV, cancer, autoimmune disease)

Knowing your risks helps you take action early.

🩺 5. Manage Chronic Illnesses

Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or cancer can weaken immunity. Keeping these under control helps lower your risk of viral reactivation.

⚠️ What NOT to Do:

Don’t ignore symptoms if they arise: pain, tingling, or burning before a rash.
Don’t skip the vaccine just because you’re healthy—shingles can happen even in healthy people.