Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection that can cause great discomfort, and is often confused with other conditions due to its similar symptoms.
We will explain in depth what shingles is, why it occurs, and what its most common symptoms are. We will also address the misperception that it is an illness caused by supernatural forces and the importance of understanding that it is a viral infection.
What is shingles?
Shingles is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an initial chickenpox infection, the virus remains inactive in the nervous system and over the years can reactivate and therefore the person may have shingles again.
This reactivation is usually related to a weakening of the immune system, stress, fatigue or diseases that compromise immunity.
Why does shingles appear?
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