Shingles (Zoster) is a painful skin rash that can occur anywhere on the body.
The same virus that causes chickenpox also causes shingles.
After having chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the body.
The virus may wake up, often in times of stress or illness, leading to shingles.
For some people, severe pain can continue for months, or even years and can interfere with eating and sleeping.
Some medicines may help, but there is no cure.
It is possible to get shingles more than once.
Vaccine Recommendations
Older adults are more likely to develop shingles. Adults 50 years or older should receive two doses of shingles vaccine 2-6 months apart, even if they have already had shingles.
