What happens to your health after you have shingles?

The most common health issue that occurs following shingles is post-herpetic neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe pain in the areas where the shingles rash was located, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although rare, shingles may lead to pneumonia, blindness, hearing problems, brain inflammation and death.

Post-herpetic neuralgia usually lasts a few weeks or months, but in some individuals, the pain continues for years, explains the CDC. Receiving a shingles vaccine is the only way to lower the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications. The vaccine, which is available in clinics and pharmacies, is recommended for adults 60 years of age and older.