In the second instalment of our 4T’s blog series, we’re focusing on Shingles – a painful and sometimes serious condition that can cause long-term health problems, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
In this series, we explore each vaccine-preventable disease from the UK immunisation schedule using Health Academy’s simple and easy-to-remember 4T’s Framework:
- 🔹Type
- 🔹Transmission
- 🔹Threat
- 🔹Treatment & Prevention
The 4T’s of Shingles
Shingles is more than just a rash – it can lead to lasting nerve pain and other serious health issues 👉 Watch our video below in full to learn more about Shingles, how it develops, and how vaccination can help protect those most at risk.
The 4T’s of Shingles: Take Home Message
🔹Type: Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It can cause a painful rash, blisters, and sometimes serious nerve pain.
🔹Transmission: Shingles itself isn’t directly contagious, but the virus can be passed on to someone who’s never had chickenpox, potentially causing chickenpox through close contact with fluid from the rash.
🔹Threat: Older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk of complications, including long-term nerve pain and eye issues.
🔹Treatment & Prevention: Antiviral medicines can help if started early, and vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent shingles and its complications, with routine vaccines now offered to older adults and those who are immunocompromised in the UK.
Stay Up To Date
Stay informed and up to date with the latest developments by enrolling in one of our comprehensive Immunisation Courses. Whether you’re refreshing your knowledge or new to the field, our expert-led updates ensure you’re equipped with the most current information and best practices in the field.
Shingles (Herpes zoster) Short Course – Elearning
This Shingles short course is part of the ‘Health Academy Short Course’ series and provides clinicians with specific information related to Shingles disease and the Shingrix® vaccine.
Missed Part 1 of the series? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In the first instalment of our 4T’s blog series, we explored Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common yet potentially serious infection, especially in infants, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.👉 Catch up now and watch the full video on RSV here: The 4T’s of RSV.
