Understanding Shingles: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and can reactivate later in life to cause shingles.

While there is no cure for shingles, the vaccine can help protect you from developing the condition. If you have previously had chickenpox, talk to your doctor about getting the shingles vaccine.