Can shingles and hives start off gradually or do you get them suddenly?

Shingles onset: Yes, shingles can and usually does come on over a few days. It may begin with some vague flu-like symptoms, followed by some itching or other odd sensations on one side of the body followed by a rash in most cases but not all. This is then followed by intense burning pain. If it is on both sides of the body it is not shingles. Hives can come on slowly or suddenly depending on various factors.