Word! Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster

Say: HUR-pees ZAHS-tur

This is also called shingles. It is caused by the same virus that gives people chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your system for the rest of your life. Anyone who's had chickenpox can get herpes zoster.

Shingles causes a rash with blisters on the body that can be very painful. The blisters are contagious and can spread the chickenpox virus to people who have never had chickenpox and didn't get the chickenpox vaccine.