Herpes zoster (also known as
shingles) is a condition caused by a reinfection with the varicella-zoster virus. The varicella-zoster virus that causes herpes zoster is the same virus that causes
chickenpox. The infection with this virus tends to occur during different decades of a person's life.
Herpes zoster is not contagious. Therefore, a person who comes in contact with an infected person will not develop herpes zoster. Even though herpes zoster is not contagious, contact with a person with herpes zoster can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had chickenpox or the
chickenpox vaccine.
(Click Cause for Herpes Zoster to learn more about the varicella-zoster virus and how it reactivates to cause herpes zoster.)
Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster is most common in people over the age of 50. However, if you have had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, you are at risk of developing herpes zoster. This disease is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from
HIV infection (or
AIDS), chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations (such as a kidney transplant or stem cell transplant), and stress.