Shingles in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in the nerve cells. Years later, it can reactivate as shingles.

In the United States, about 1 in 3 people will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime. This includes many adults right here in Grand Rapids and West Michigan.

Who Is at Risk in Grand Rapids?

Shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox (or, rarely, the chickenpox vaccine), but some groups are at higher risk:

  • Adults age 50 and older, with risk increasing further after age 65
  • People with weakened immune systems, such as those with:
    • Cancer or on chemotherapy
    • HIV/AIDS
    • Organ transplant recipients
    • Long-term steroid or other immunosuppressive medications
  • People under significant physical or emotional stress

In Grand Rapids, many older adults and people with chronic health conditions receive care at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health. If you fall into a higher‑risk group and live in Kent County, talk with your primary care provider at any of these systems about shingles prevention and vaccination.

Symptoms of Shingles

Shingles usually affects one side of the body or face. Symptoms often start with:

  • Burning, tingling, or sharp pain in one area
  • Itchy, sensitive, or painful skin
  • Headache
  • Tiredness or feeling unwell
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

The Shingles Rash

A few days (typically 2–3) after the pain begins, a red rash appears. This rash:

  • Usually follows a “belt-like” or stripe pattern on one side of the body
  • Most commonly affects the chest, back, or lumbar (lower back) region
  • Can appear on the face, around the eye, or on the neck
  • Develops small, fluid-filled blisters that can break open and crust over

The rash usually lasts about 10–15 days. During that time:

  • Blisters form, break, and then scaly crusts appear
  • The skin often heals completely, but mild scarring can occur in severe cases
  • Some people may develop a secondary bacterial skin infection, which requires medical treatment

If the rash appears near the eye, this is an emergency. Shingles around the eye can lead to vision loss and needs urgent evaluation, typically by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) at a local center such as Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

How Shingles Spreads

Shingles itself is not “caught” from another person, but the virus can spread from someone with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.

The virus spreads by:

  • Direct contact with fluid from the shingles blisters
  • Contact with dressings, sheets, or clothes soiled with fluid from the blisters

If infection occurs in someone who has never had chickenpox, they will develop chickenpox, not shingles.

To reduce spread in your home or workplace in Grand Rapids:

  • Keep the rash covered with clean, dry dressings
  • Avoid touching or scratching the rash
  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Avoid close contact with:
    • Pregnant people who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine
    • Newborns
    • People with weakened immune systems

Shingles, Pregnancy, and Chickenpox

If a pregnant person develops shingles, the risk to the baby is generally low, because the virus has already been in the body from a past chickenpox infection.

However, chickenpox during pregnancy can be serious for both the pregnant person and the fetus and requires urgent medical attention. Anyone pregnant in Grand Rapids who develops a new rash or thinks they have been exposed to chickenpox should:

  • Call their OB/GYN or midwife immediately
  • Seek urgent evaluation at their local health system (e.g., Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health)

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also provide guidance about exposure and vaccination history.

Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

Sometimes, the pain from shingles does not go away after the rash has healed. If pain in the affected area lasts longer than 3 months, it is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

Key points about PHN:

  • Risk increases with age, especially over 60
  • Pain can be burning, stabbing, or deep aching
  • It can interfere with sleep, mood, and daily activities
  • It is less likely to occur in people who have been vaccinated against shingles

Treatment may include:

  • Pain-relieving medications (analgesics)
  • Medicines specifically for nerve pain, such as certain antidepressants or anti-seizure medications
  • Topical treatments (creams, patches)

These treatments are prescribed and monitored by your primary care provider, pain specialist, or neurologist in Grand Rapids.

Treatment for Shingles in Grand Rapids

If you think you have shingles, you should seek prompt medical care—ideally within 24–72 hours of the rash appearing.

Treatment often includes:

  • Antiviral medications (such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir)
    • Work best if started within 3 days, and ideally within 24 hours, of rash onset
    • Can help shorten the outbreak and reduce the severity of pain
  • Pain relief:
    • Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
    • Prescription pain medications for more severe pain
    • Topical creams or patches, as advised by your provider

Because West Michigan winters are cold and long, people may delay seeking care for a “mild rash” during stormy weather. If you notice a painful, one-sided rash—even in winter—contact your doctor, an urgent care clinic, or a telehealth service through one of the Grand Rapids health systems.

Shingles and Vaccination in Grand Rapids, MI

Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix®)

In the U.S., the preferred shingles vaccine is Shingrix®, a two‑dose vaccine series.

Who should get Shingrix®?
The CDC recommends Shingrix® for:

  • Adults 50 years and older, even if they:
    • Have had shingles before
    • Have had the older shingles vaccine (Zostavax®)
  • Adults 19 years and older with weakened immune systems due to disease or medication

Two doses are required for maximum protection, usually given 2–6 months apart (sometimes 1–2 months apart for certain immunocompromised patients).

If you have already had shingles, vaccination is still recommended. Most experts suggest waiting at least 1 year after full recovery before getting Shingrix®, but your doctor can give you personalized advice.

You can get the shingles vaccine at:

  • Primary care clinics within Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health
  • Local pharmacies in Grand Rapids (e.g., Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, Costco)
  • Some community health centers and clinics supported by the Kent County Health Department

Call ahead to ask about:

  • Insurance coverage
  • Any out‑of‑pocket cost
  • Whether an appointment is required

Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine

Vaccination against chickenpox helps reduce the number of people who could later develop shingles.

In the U.S., the varicella vaccine is recommended for:

  • Children (routine 2‑dose series)
  • Unvaccinated teens and adults who have never had chickenpox

In Grand Rapids, you can access chickenpox vaccination through:

  • Pediatric and family practices in all major health systems
  • The Kent County Health Department immunization clinics
  • School‑based or community vaccination events

Local Records and Immunization History

In the U.S., vaccine records are often stored in state immunization information systems. In Michigan, your vaccine history may be recorded in the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR).

To check your immunization records:

  • Ask your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • Contact your local health department, including the Kent County Health Department
  • Request records through your health system’s patient portal (e.g., MyChart for Corewell Health or Metro Health, MyChart or equivalent for Trinity and Mercy Health)

Having an accurate record helps your Grand Rapids healthcare provider decide:

  • Whether you need Shingrix®
  • Whether you are up to date on chickenpox and other vaccines

When to Seek Urgent Care for Shingles in Grand Rapids

Contact a doctor or seek urgent medical care right away if:

  • You suspect you have shingles (painful, one-sided rash)
  • The rash is near your eye or on your face
  • You have a weakened immune system
  • You are pregnant and develop a new rash or think you’ve been exposed to chickenpox
  • The pain is severe or you develop fever, confusion, or difficulty seeing or hearing

You can get help at:

  • Your primary care provider
  • Same‑day clinics or urgent care centers run by:
    • Corewell Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Local emergency departments in Grand Rapids for severe symptoms

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also offer guidance on vaccination, exposure, and local clinics.

Key Points About Shingles

  • Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that lives in nerve cells.
  • The rash often forms a belt‑like pattern on one side of the body.
  • The chest and lower back are the most commonly affected areas.
  • The virus can cause chickenpox in people who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine if they come in contact with blister fluid.
  • Older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for shingles and post‑herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
  • Prompt antiviral treatment and Shingrix® vaccination can reduce the severity of shingles and the risk of complications.

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding West Michigan area and think you may have shingles—or want to discuss vaccination—schedule an appointment with your local healthcare provider or contact the Kent County Health Department for more information.