How Is Shingles Different From Chickenpox?

Chickenpox

Shingles

Incubation period

Approximately 10 to 21 days, which is the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms.

The virus remains dormant in the nerve tissues after chickenpox, which can reactivated years later.

Early symptoms

• Fever
• Rash
• Itching
• Fatigue
• Malaise

Burning, tingling, or numbing sensation in one side of the body.

Characteristics of rash

• The rash usually starts as red spots that quickly evolve into small, fluid-filled blisters.
• Over time, these blisters form scabs and eventually heal.
• The rash typically appears on the face, scalp, trunk, and extremities.

• Shingles rash typically appears as a band or strip of red blisters that lay horizontally on top of the other.
• It occurs along a specific nerve pathway.
• Unlike chickenpox, it is localised to one side of the body.

Other symptoms

• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat
• Mild respiratory symptoms

• Fever with or without chills
• Headaches
• Upset stomach

Chickenpox

Shingles

• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
• Bacterial infections

• Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Causes chronic pain and discomfort even after the rash clears.
• Vision problems or even blindness
• Bacterial superinfection

Chickenpox

Shingles

Diagnosis

Clinical examination and observation of the rashes across the body.

Clinical examination and observation of rash on one side of the body.

In some cases, laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of chickenpox.

Laboratory tests such as viral culture or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be performed to identify the presence of the varicella-zoster virus.

Treatment

Symptomatic relief with antipyretics to reduce fever and antihistamines to relieve itching.

Antiviral medications are prescribed to speed up the healing process and alleviate pain.

In severe cases or high-risk individuals, antiviral medication may be prescribed to shorten the duration of the illness and reduce complications.

These medications typically work best when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

Chickenpox

Shingles

Vaccination for the disease

• Varicella vaccine is safe and effective in preventing chickenpox.
• Two doses of the vaccine are given to children at specific ages.

• Shingrix is a new shingles vaccine that provides stronger and longer-lasting protection against shingles compared to previous vaccines.

Vaccination schedule

• Children receive their first dose between 12-15 months and a second dose at 4-6 years of age.
• Adolescents and adults who have not been vaccinated should receive two doses, 4-8 weeks apart.

• It is recommended for individuals aged 50 years and older, even if they have previously received another shingles vaccine.
• The Shingrix vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, with a recommended interval of two to six months between doses.

Symptoms

Itchy red spots, fever, fatigue

Painful rash, tingling, nerve discomfort

Presentation

Generalised rash

Localised rash along nerve pathways

Complications

Secondary infections, pneumonia

Postherpetic neuralgia, skin infections

Diagnosis

Clinical observation, lab tests

Clinical exam, medical history, lab tests

Treatment

Symptomatic relief, antiviral meds

Antiviral drugs, pain management

Prevention

Vaccination, exposure avoidance

Reducing risk factors, vaccination