Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, the varicella zoster virus. Anyone who has had chicken pox may contract shingles; however shingles is not spread from person to person. The virus lies dormant in your body, but for some reason and for some adults, the virus reactivates and shingles occur. Symptoms can include fever, headache, chills, upset stomach, and a painful skin rash of blistering lesions. Shingles is most common in people 60 years and older and people who are immunocompromised.
Prevention: Adults 60 years and older should receive the zoster vaccine
Frequency: Once for those over the age of 60.