Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, usually affecting only a small section on one side of the body. The rash consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days and fully clear up within 2 to 4 weeks. The following are the signs and symptoms of shingles:

• Pain, burning, or tingling in the area where the rash will develop
• A red rash that begins a few days after the pain
• Fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust over
• Itching
• Sensitivity to touch
• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Upset stomach

Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles, and for some people, the pain can be intense. Depending on the location of the pain, it can sometimes be mistaken for problems with the heart, lungs, or kidneys. Some people experience shingles pain without ever developing the rash. The rash most commonly occurs in a single stripe around the left or right side of the body...