Facts About Shingles (Varicella-Zoster Virus): NIAID

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After an attack of chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in the nerve tissue. As we get older, it is possible for the virus to reappear in the form of shingles. Shingles is estimated to affect 2 in every 10 persons in their lifetime. This year, more than 500,000 people will develop shingles. Fortunately, there is currently research being done to find a vaccine to prevent the disease.

What is shingles?

Shingles is an outbreak of a rash or blisters on the skin that may be associated with severe pain. The pain is generally on one side of the body or face.

Who is at risk for developing shingles?

Although it is most common in people over age 50, anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing shingles. Shingles is also more common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations and stress.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching generally located on one side of the body or face. The rash or blisters are present anywhere from one to 14 days.

Are other complications associated with shingles?

Yes. If shingles appears on the face, it can lead to complications in hearing and vision. For instance, if shingles affects the eye, the cornea can become infected and lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Another complication of the virus is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where the pain from shingles persists for months, sometimes years, after the shingles rash has healed.

Is any research being done to prevent shingles?

There is a national, multicenter study under way of an experimental vaccine to prevent shingles, called the Shingles Prevention Study.  The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is currently recruiting volunteers for the study site at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Anyone interested in participating in the Shingles Prevention Study or obtaining further information should call toll-free 1-877-841-6251. The Shingles Prevention Study is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) cooperative study representing a scientific collaboration between the VA, NIAID, and Merck & Co., Inc., the vaccine's producer.

More NIH shingles Information

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

NIAID, a component of the National Institutes of Health, supports research on AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and other infectious diseases, as well as allergies and immunology.

Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison, NIAID
and
Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, NIH Clinical Center
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

Public Health Service
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services