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Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella).
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the chickenpox virus (varicella). It is a painful inflammation of a nerve that causes blisters to erupt on the skin. The disease is treated with anti-viral medication and painkillers.
Symptoms usually disappear after seven to ten days without complications. The disease can be more severe in older people or people with a weakened immune system.
Only people who have previously had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox can get shingles. These viruses remain in the body for life and can be reactivated and cause shingles when the immune system is weakened.
CSS offers no guarantee for the accuracy and completeness of the information. The information published is no substitute for professional advice from a doctor or pharmacist.