Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that can cause intense pain and a rash.
It’s triggered by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in your nerve cells and can reactivate later in life, often due to a weakened immune system or stress.
Shingles primarily affects those over 50, people with weakened immune systems, or individuals who’ve recently been ill or under stress. Early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, and fatigue, followed by a painful, blistering rash.
While there’s no cure for shingles, antiviral medications like acyclovir can help speed recovery. The Shingrix vaccine can reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications. Avoid close contact with vulnerable people to prevent spreading the virus.
