Shingles can be a painful and worrying condition, particularly for people who have already experienced it once. A common question patients ask is: Can you get shingles two times? While many people assume shingles only occurs once, recurrence is possible in some individuals.
Understanding how shingles develops, how recovery works, and why recurrence can happen helps patients make informed decisions about prevention and vaccination. If you would like advice about shingles vaccination or travel health protection, reach out to us or book an appointment with our team at Brixton Travel Clinic.
As a travel vaccination clinic in London, we support patients who want to protect their health both at home and when travelling abroad.
Can You Get Shingles Twice?
Yes, it is possible to get shingles more than once. Although many people experience only a single episode, the virus that causes shingles remains in the body after recovery and can reactivate later in life. Factors such as age, immune health, stress, or illness may increase the likelihood of recurrence.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of shingles returning, particularly for individuals over the age of 50 or those with certain health conditions.
What Patients Should Remember
Understanding the shingles timeline can help patients recognise symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Important points to keep in mind include:
- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus
- The virus remains dormant in the body after the first infection
- Some people may experience shingles more than once
- Recurrence may occur years after the first episode
- Vaccination can help reduce the likelihood of future outbreaks
- Early treatment can help reduce complications
These points highlight why prevention and awareness are important.
First Shingles Episode
The first episode of shingles often begins with unusual sensations in a specific area of the body. Patients may notice tingling, burning, or pain before any visible rash appears.
Within a few days, a rash usually develops on one side of the body or face. This rash forms clusters of fluid filled blisters that can be painful and sensitive.
Common symptoms during the first shingles episode may include:
- Burning or stabbing nerve pain
- Tingling or itching sensations
- A blistering rash
- Fatigue or general discomfort
- Sensitivity in the affected area
Early medical treatment with antiviral medication can help shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce complications.
Recovery Period
For most patients, the rash begins to heal within two to four weeks. During this time the blisters dry out and gradually form scabs.
Although the visible rash often resolves within a few weeks, some people may experience lingering nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. This can persist for months in some cases, particularly in older adults.
Recovery may involve:
- Rest and symptom management
- Pain relief medications
- Antiviral treatment when prescribed
- Monitoring for complications
Once the rash heals, many patients assume the infection has completely resolved. However, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system.
Risk Of Recurrence Years Later
Because the virus stays in the body, shingles can return later in life. This is why patients often ask if you can get shingles twice.
Recurrence is not extremely common, but it can happen. Several factors may increase the risk of a second episode.
These can include:
- Age related weakening of the immune system
- Chronic stress
- Certain medical conditions
- Immune suppressing medications
- Illness or infection
A second episode may occur many years after the first outbreak, sometimes decades later.
Prevention With Vaccination
Vaccination is currently the most effective way to reduce the risk of shingles recurrence. The shingles vaccine helps boost the immune system’s ability to control the dormant virus.
Vaccination is often recommended for adults over the age of 50 or those who may be at higher risk of complications.
For travellers, maintaining strong immune protection can also be important. Long distance travel, changes in routine, stress, and fatigue may place additional strain on the immune system.
Patients visiting a travel vaccination clinic in London may choose to discuss shingles vaccination as part of a broader health consultation before travelling.
Vaccination can help reduce the risk of shingles developing during travel or returning later in life.
Who May Be Eligible For Vaccination
Shingles vaccination may be suitable for many adults, but a consultation is required to determine individual eligibility.
People who may benefit from vaccination include:
- Adults aged 50 or over
- Individuals with weakened immune systems
- People with a previous history of shingles
- Travellers seeking preventative health protection
Our clinicians can advise whether vaccination is appropriate based on your health history and travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get shingles two times?
Yes, it is possible to experience shingles more than once because the virus remains dormant in the body after the first infection.
How common is shingles recurrence?
Recurrence is not extremely common, but studies suggest a small percentage of patients may experience shingles more than once.
How long after shingles can it return?
A second episode can occur years after the first infection, sometimes decades later.
Does the shingles vaccine prevent recurrence?
Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of shingles returning and may also reduce the severity if an outbreak occurs.
Should travellers consider shingles vaccination?
Some travellers choose to discuss vaccination as part of their travel health planning, particularly if they are older or have health conditions that affect immunity.
What other vaccines do travellers need?
The vaccinations you need will depend on where you are travelling to. Our team can help guide you and offer advice to help ensure that you are fully protected. Call 02077334075 or drop in to chat to our team:
222 Coldharbour Ln, London SW9 8SA
Is shingles related to chickenpox?
Yes. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Protect Your Health Before You Travel
Understanding whether you can get shingles two times highlights why prevention is important. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of recurrence and support long term immune protection.
If you would like advice about shingles vaccination or travel health preparation, contact us today or book now to arrange a consultation with Brixton Travel Clinic.
Our healthcare professionals provide evidence based guidance on vaccination and travel health protection.
This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
This blog was written on behalf of Brixton Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.