Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells and can reactivate later, often due to stress, illness, or a weakened immune system. Shingles typically presents as a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body, along with flu-like symptoms. While it usually resolves within a few weeks, it can lead to complications like postherpetic neuralgia, which causes persistent pain. Vaccines are available to help prevent shingles in older adults.