Are You at Risk for Shingles? What You Need to Know

woman touching neck

February 18, 2026 | Tags: Wellness

Did you have chickenpox when you were younger? If yes, you could be one of the estimated 1 million Americans who develop shingles every year. You may have seen a commercial or heard a relative talk about the painful symptoms they experienced with shingles. While all of this can sound scary, knowing what shingles is and how you can protect yourself can make a huge difference.

What is shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). It presents as a painful rash and inflammation that can damage nerves. Shingles can occur anywhere on the body, but it most commonly appears as a band or stripe on the left or right side of the:

  • Face
  • Neck 
  • Chest
  • Belly 
  • Back 

A shingles outbreak can last three to five weeks from the start of your symptoms until the rash completely disappears. While shingles is rarely fatal, there can be painful, long-term complications that affect a person’s quality of life, such as:

  • Nerve pain that can last months or years after the rash disappears.
  • Bacterial infection if blisters aren’t properly treated.
  • Vision loss if shingles is around or in an eye. 
  • Loss of range of motion or mobility.
  • Facial paralysis. 
  • Hearing issues, including hearing loss and tinnitus.
  • Vertigo or balance problems. 
  • Pneumonia.

Who’s at risk of getting shingles?

As mentioned, if you’ve had chickenpox in your life, you can develop shingles. This is because the same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles. The virus continues to live in your body after you’ve recovered and can reactivate years later. Most people who get shingles will have it once in their life, although some can have it multiple times and some may not get it at all. However, you’re at a higher risk if you’re:

  • Over the age of 50.
  • Pregnant. 
  • Immunocompromised, especially from certain cancers (leukemia or lymphoma) and HIV infection.
  • Using steroids or drugs that impair your immune system, such as treatments for an organ transplant.

If you have shingles, there’s a risk of passing the virus to anyone who isn’t immune through contact with open sores. The person that becomes infected will develop chickenpox, not shingles. You can protect others by doing the following:

  • Cover the rash until it goes away completely.
  • Avoid touching or scratching the rash.
  • Wash hands for at least 20 seconds often.
  • Avoid contact with at-risk individuals until rash scabs over.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

A painful, raised or blistered rash is the most common symptom of shingles. Other symptoms include:

  • Intense, deep, burning or shooting nerve pain 
  • Itching, tingling or numbness
  • Reddish or discolored skin 
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Upset stomach
  • Fatigue 
  • Generally feeling unwell (malaise)

Can shingles be treated or prevented?

There is no cure for shingles, but there are treatments available to help manage symptoms, such as:

  • Antivirals
  • Steroids (if shingles affects the eyes or other areas of the face)
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • At-home remedies like wet compresses and calamine lotion to alleviate itching

Getting a vaccine can help reduce your risk of getting shingles and related complications. The CDC recommends two doses for adults ages 50 years and older whether they’ve already had shingles or not. The vaccine is also recommended for adults ages 19 years and older who have a weakened immune system due to disease or therapy. The shingles vaccine is covered through Medical Mutual’s Medicare Part D plan at no cost. Members can call Customer Care at the number listed on their ID card for more information or view the plan’s List of Covered Drugs (Formulary) online.

Medical Mutual recognizes that healthcare decisions are important and personal. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP) regarding vaccine recommendations and what’s right for you.

The importance of connecting with your provider

Shingles can be painful and uncomfortable, but you don’t have to deal with the discomfort alone. Discuss concerns with your PCP if you’ve had chickenpox and are worried about shingles. If you have shingles, see your PCP as soon as possible so they can start you on antivirals right away. Go to the emergency room if you experience symptoms with serious complications, such as: 

  • Severe headache
  • Vision changes
  • Eye pain 
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Neck stiffness
  • Confusion or other mental changes
  • Muscle weakness or paralysis

Need help finding a PCP? Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool on My Health Plan to find one in your plan’s network or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card.

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