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Shingles
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the chickenpox virus. Symptoms include pain and a rash on one side of the body. Shingles most commonly affects older adults and people with weak immune systems.
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Shingles Recurs More Often Than Thought
People with shingles are more likely to suffer a recurrence than previously thought, especially if their attack is accompanied by lasting pain, researchers report.
People with shingles are more likely to suffer a recurrence than previously thought, especially if their attack is accompanied by lasting pain, researchers report.
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Topic Overview
What is shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a
viral infection of the
nerve roots. It causes pain and often causes a
rash
on one side of the body, the left or right. The
rash appears in a band, a strip, or a small area. Shingles is most common in
older adults and people who have weak immune systems because of stress, injury,
certain medicines, or other reasons. Most people who get shingles will get
better and will not get it again.
