what are shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can reactivate years later, leading to shingles. The main symptoms of shingles include pain, a painful rash of blister-like sores, fever, headache, chills, and upset stomach. The rash usually appears on one side of the body and can be quite painful. Shingles is more common in older adults and in people with weakened immune systems. While it is not life- threatening, it can be very painful, and early treatment may help reduce the severity of the condition and complications