Viral Conditions

Shingles is a viral infection resulting from the same virus that causes chickenpox: varicella-zoster virus. Despite the fact that they are caused by the same virus, there are some differences between how chickenpox and shingles present, with shingles being considered more painful while chickenpox causes more itching. Patients with shingles may experience signs that include itching, tingling, redness, and clear blisters. Shingles is highly contagious, and patients who have been diagnosed should avoid people who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox to avoid spreading the virus.