Shingles, also known as herpes zoster or zona, [7] is a viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with blisters in a localized area. [2][8] Typically the rash occurs in a single, wide mark either on the left or right side of the body or face. [1] The chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster) causes shingles (herpes zoster), a painful, blistering contagious rash. Get the facts on shingles treatment, symptoms, complications, the vaccine, and the contagious period of this viral infection. WHO fact sheet on shingles (herpes zoster), including key facts, risk factors, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment and WHO response. Identify common symptoms, causes and spread, treatment, and risks of shingles (herpes zoster). Learn about shingles signs and symptoms, serious complications, and who's at most risk. Download and share shingles vaccine social media graphics for different channels. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Shingles often causes a blistering rash and nerve pain. You might have early symptoms weeks or days before the rash appears. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash and nerve damage. It’s also called herpes zoster. Shingles is an infection that causes a painful rash. Get advice from a pharmacist or NHS 111 as soon as possible if you think you have it. The first signs of shingles can be: A rash will usually appear a few days later. In rare cases shingles can cause pain without a rash.