Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of shingles?

The choice of intense itching as not being a common symptom of shingles is indeed accurate. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, often presents with a distinctive set of symptoms. The condition typically starts with pain and a burning sensation in the area where the rash will later develop. This initial pain can be severe and is often one of the most prominent symptoms, sometimes even occurring before the rash appears.

Fever and fatigue are also common systemic symptoms that can accompany shingles, indicating the body's immune response to the viral reactivation. The rash that eventually develops is characterized by clusters of blisters, which are typically painful and can be quite debilitating.

While itching can occur with various skin conditions, the primary symptoms of shingles are more focused on pain and the characteristic rash rather than itching. The burning sensation and discomfort associated with the rash usually overshadow the itchy aspect, making intense itching less prominent in the clinical presentation of shingles. This distinction highlights why intense itching is not considered a common symptom of this viral infection.