Herpes Zoster: Is the Virus Inside You?
Herpes Zoster, commonly known as Shingles, is the painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus (Varicella Zoster Virus). Anyone who has had chickenpox or received the Varicella vaccine is at risk for developing Herpes Zoster. After recovering from chickenpox or after receiving the vaccine, the virus can lie dormant in your nervous system for years. If the immune system is weakened (more commonly occurring in the elderly) the virus can reactivate, travel down a nerve pathway and cause the painful rash of Herpes Zoster. A vaccine has been developed for Herpes Zoster, Zostavax, but it is not 100% effective.
