Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral
infection that may cause pain, burning, or a tingling sensation
on either the left or right side of the body. Several days or
weeks later, a band, strip, or small area of rash usually
appears in the same area and progresses into blisters, which
scab over before clearing up over the next few weeks. Shingles
develops from the virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster
virus). The virus remains in the nerve tissue and can become
active again in anyone who has had chickenpox. Shingles is most
common in older adults and people who have weakened immune
systems because of stress, injury, or other factors. No one
knows what makes the virus active again. A person with shingles
can spread the virus until the blisters have scabs. The spread
of the shingles virus can cause chickenpox in those who have not
had it before and have not been vaccinated. Medicines may
relieve discomfort from the rash and pain. Some people have pain
that lasts after the rash is go