Shingles Health Center
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.
Common adult skin problems.
See what it looks like.
Latest Headlines
FDA: Shingles Vaccine OK at Age 50 and Up
The FDA today approved Merck's Zostavax shingles vaccine for 50-somethings. The vaccine was already approved for people age 60 and older.
The FDA today approved Merck's Zostavax shingles vaccine for 50-somethings. The vaccine was already approved for people age 60 and older.
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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.
