Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection (Face) Picture Image on MedicineNet.com
Picture of Varicella-Zoster Virus Infection (Face) Shingles. Shingles occur when the varicella-zoster virus which also causes chickenpox erupts after the initial infection, sometimes many years later as in the case of this 90-year-old woman. Once infected, the virus can remain dormant in the body for years. It reactivates if the immune system is weakened, attacking […]
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Chickenpox and Shingles?
What causes chickenpox? Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The difference between chickenpox and shingles is that chickenpox usually occurs first, and shingles are a result of a reactivation of chickenpox later on. Even though chickenpox and shingles are usually spoken of together, they are very different illnesses. Some think only […]
Who Is Eligible for the Shingles Vaccine?
Who is a candidate for the shingles vaccine? Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus lives in your body forever. 10% of people who had chickenpox in childhood will get shingles as an adult, often when they are over […]
Is Shingles Contagious? How Long Do Shingles Last?
Shingles rash is not contagious in that a rash from one individual is unable to spread to another individual. Individuals who never have had chickenpox and have not received the vaccine for chickenpox are susceptible to shingles virus infection. Consequently, shingles disease is contagious to chickenpox by the transmission of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) to […]
Is Shingles Contagious? How Long Do Shingles Last?
Shingles rash is not contagious in that a rash from one individual is unable to spread to another individual. Individuals who never have had chickenpox and have not received the vaccine for chickenpox are susceptible to shingles virus infection. Consequently, shingles disease is contagious to chickenpox by the transmission of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) to […]
What Triggers a Shingles Outbreak?
What is shingles? Shingles is a viral infection that causes painful rashes on the body. Shingles is triggered by a weakened or compromised immune system. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a virus infection that causes painful rashes on the body, usually on one side of your torso. It is caused by the varicella-zoster […]