Introduction
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that affects the nerves. It usually causes a painful rash that appears on one side of the body. Many people who get shingles also experience fatigue, both during and after the active rash phase. In this article, we’ll explore the link between shingles and fatigue and provide tips for coping with shingles-related tiredness.
What is shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body, residing in the nerves. Years or even decades later, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles.
When the virus reactivates, it travels along nerve fibers to the skin, causing a blistering and painful rash. The rash usually affects a single strip of skin on one side of the body. Common locations include the chest, back, abdomen, face, and neck. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach.
Shingles isn’t contagious. However, it can spread chickenpox to someone who hasn’t had it before. It cannot spread shingles to another person.
Why does shingles cause fatigue?
Up to 70% of people with shingles experience fatigue, both during and after the illness. There are several reasons why shingles can make you feel extremely tired:
The body’s immune response
When the virus reactivates, it triggers an immune response as your body tries to fight the infection. This taxes the immune system and causes inflammation. Battling this inflammation is exhausting for the body and can leave you feeling drained.
Nerve pain
For some people, the worst symptom of shingles is nerve pain. This constant pain from the rash and affected nerves can prevent quality sleep. Lack of sleep contributes to daytime fatigue.
Stress
Having shingles is physically and emotionally stressful. Your body is already working hard to heal itself. Added stress compounds fatigue.
Medications
Antiviral medications and pain relievers used to treat shingles can cause drowsiness as a side effect. This can add to general fatigue.
Postherpetic neuralgia
Up to a third of shingles patients develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This is persistent nerve pain that continues after the shingles rash heals. PHN can lead to chronic fatigue due to unrelenting pain interfering with sleep and everyday function.
Depression
Shingles can lead to psychological effects like depression, anxiety, and mood swings. Mental health issues are closely tied to physical fatigue.
How long does shingles fatigue last?
The duration of shingles-related fatigue varies. Some people feel tired only while the shingles rash is active. For others, fatigue can linger for months or years after the initial illness.
Factors that influence how long shingles fatigue lasts include:
- Your age. Older adults tend to have longer recovery times.
- Severity of symptoms. Worse shingles leads to more exhaustion.
- Development of PHN. This nerve pain causes chronic fatigue.
- Other health conditions. Fatigue lasts longer if you have other issues like diabetes, cancer, or depression.
During an active shingles outbreak, fatigue typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. However, it’s not uncommon for tiredness to persist for 2 to 6 months afterwards. With PHN, fatigue can become an ongoing problem.
Tips for coping with shingles fatigue
If you’re battling shingles fatigue, these self-care tips can help you regain strength and energy:
Get plenty of rest
It seems obvious, but resting is essential. Take naps, go to bed early, and sleep in when possible. Don’t push yourself to get things done until the fatigue passes.
Eat a nourishing diet
Choose nutritious whole foods to refuel your body. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lean proteins, and whole grains provide energy-boosting nutrients. Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
Try gentle exercise
While strenuous exercise can worsen shingles fatigue, gentle activities like walking, yoga, or swimming can boost endorphins and circulation. Start slow and gradually increase activity.
Reduce stress
Lower stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or soothing music. Set limits and ask for help rather than taking on too much.
Use pain management methods
Work with your doctor to control shingles pain so it doesn’t disrupt sleep and drain energy. Anti-inflammatory diet, cold compresses, calamine lotion, pain medication, nerve blocks, and numbing creams are options.
Consider counseling
If depression or anxiety develop, see a therapist. Counseling helps improve mental health and alleviate fatigue.
Ask for accommodations
Inform your workplace if shingles is affecting your productivity. Request accommodations like a flexible schedule, work from home options, or medical leave if needed.
When to see a doctor
Consult your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Fatigue that persists longer than 6 months
- Worsening or debilitating fatigue
- Difficulty with daily tasks due to exhaustion
- Fatigue combined with other concerning symptoms
Your doctor can check for underlying health issues or complications contributing to ongoing fatigue. Blood tests may be done to look for anemia, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies. Be open about the impact of fatigue on your life so proper treatment can be provided.
Medical treatment options for shingles fatigue
If self-care strategies aren’t relieving fatigue, your doctor may recommend:
Medications
Antidepressants or stimulants can be prescribed to help manage debilitating fatigue, especially if it’s due to depression or pain disrupting sleep.
Antiviral medications
Powerful antiviral drugs like Valtrex are used to treat shingles. Getting on an antiviral quickly can help shorten the course of the illness.
Steroid injections
Corticosteroids may be injected into the shingles rash to reduce inflammation and pain. This can provide relief allowing better rest.
Pain medications
Oral or topical medications that numb pain signals from nerves can help minimize discomfort keeping you awake.
Nerve blocks
A numbing agent can be injected into affected nerves or along the spine to interrupt pain transmission and permit sleep.
Physical therapy
Stretching, massage, and gentle strengthening exercises can aid recovery, reduce pain, and boost energy levels.
Psychotherapy
Counseling can help develop coping strategies for chronic illnesses, depression, and stress contributing to fatigue.
The outlook for shingles fatigue
With treatment, most people find their shingles-related fatigue improves over time. However, it’s a gradual process that requires diligent self-care and follow-up medical care. Be patient during recovery. Celebrate small wins like having a bit more energy today than yesterday. Stay hopeful that eventually your strength will be restored.
When to seek emergency treatment
While shingles fatigue is usually not life-threatening on its own, other symptoms can signal an emergency. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Rash on face, eyes, ears, mouth or genitals – can threaten vision/hearing
- Fever over 102°F
- Extreme pain or headache
- Muscle weakness or inability to move an arm or leg
- Confusion, change in mental status
Conclusion
Shingles commonly causes fatigue starting when the rash is active through the recovery period afterwards. Exhaustion results from the strenuous immune response, constant nerve pain, sleep disruption, medications, and stress. While frustrating, fatigue usually improves gradually over weeks to months with rest, self-care, and medical treatment. Seek emergency care if worrisome neurological symptoms develop. If fatigue persists and interferes with your quality of life, work with your healthcare provider to find solutions for managing lingering tiredness. With time and a caring multi-pronged approach, most people can overcome shingles-related fatigue.