Shingles is the name commonly used for herpes zoster, an infection that shows up as a painful skin rash with blisters, usually on part of one side of the body (left or right), often in a strip. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus and can only occur in someone who has had Chickenpox in the past.
More Information about Shingles |
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Reporting |
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Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit. Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) causes two separate diseases: varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Varicella (chickenpox) is the primary infection and is a reportable disease. Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella infection in the dorsal root ganglia and is not a reportable disease. |
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have shingles? |
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Children can attend child care and school, unless they're too ill to participate in activities or have a fever with behavioural changes. If you have a shingles infection, avoid close contact with people who have never had chickenpox or who have not received the chickenpox vaccine, until the blisters have healed. Covering the rash with a dressing that can absorb the fluid and protect the sores can help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Make sure you follow proper hand washing practices. Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace. |
Vaccine Information |
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Shingles is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information. The shingles vaccine is free from ages 65 -70. If you don't qualify for the free shingles vaccine, you may get vaccinated for a fee with a prescription from your family doctor, another primary care provider, or local health unit. |
Healthcare Provider Information |
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Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: August 2024, by CDC