If you had chickenpox during childhood, you might assume you\u2019re protected for life. However, there\u2019s a hidden risk \u2014 the virus responsible for chickenpox can remain dormant in your body for years and later reactivate as shingles.<\/p>\n
Unlike the mild rash from your youth, shingles often comes with severe pain and can lead to complications, especially when it affects the face or eyes.<\/p>\n
1. What Is Shingles?
\nShingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection triggered by the reawakening of the varicella-zoster virus \u2014 the same virus that causes chickenpox.<\/p>\n
Even after recovery from chickenpox, the virus doesn\u2019t leave your body. Instead, it stays inactive in your nerve cells and may reactivate years later as shingles.<\/p>\n
Shingles typically affects just one side of the body. It often manifests as a painful band of fluid-filled blisters across the torso, neck, or face.<\/p>\n
2. Recognizing the Symptoms
\nThough the telltale sign of shingles is a blistering rash, symptoms usually begin earlier. These can include:<\/p>\n
A red, blistered rash (usually one-sided)
\nBurning, tingling, or shooting pain
\nItching
\nFever and chills
\nHeadaches
\nFatigue or general unease
\nMuscle weakness<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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