Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
About 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as herpes zoster, in their lifetime. An estimated 1 million people get shingles each year in this country. If you’ve ever had chickenpox, you can get shingles. Even children can get shingles. Your risk of shingles increases as you get older.
About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Vaccination
For Health Care Professionals
Laboratory Testing for VZV
Shingles Burden and Trends
Herpes Zoster Resources and References
Multimedia
What causes shingles?
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. This virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles.
Signs & Symptoms
- Pain, itching, or tingling of the skin followed by a
- Painful rash of blister-like sores, usually on one side of the body, often on the face or torso
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Upset stomach
Shingles Vaccine
Zostavax is no longer available for use in the United States, as of November 18, 2020.
La culebrilla: lo que debe saber
Page last reviewed: February 3, 2022