Evidence-based answers about shingles symptoms, transmission, and treatment to help you make informed health decisions.
27 May 2021
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. After contracting chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains latent in the tissue of your nervous system, where it is inactive. When the virus beco…
Continue reading12 May 2021
The varicella-zoster virus can interfere with basic daily activities. Depending on the severity of the infection, this virus can cause symptoms for more than just a couple of weeks. Even though there are certain treatments for pain, such as…
Read article2 May 2021
What is the difference between shingles and herpes? Two completely different viruses cause shingles and herpes, but they are from viruses. Typically herpes is caused by herpes simplex. The oral herpes variant that can cause cold sores and f…
Read article21 April 2021
These are infections that usually lead to rashes and blisters on the skin, and in many cases, they are painful. It may affect the skin and other systems within the body; when this happens, it is usually defined as systemic internal shingles…
Read article9 April 2021
There is a lot of confusion surrounding the varicella-zoster virus. Because of the way it physically affects people, the symptoms can be misleading. While the virus is, in fact, one virus, it can create two types of health conditions. What…
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