Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, causing shingles. The main symptom of shingles is pain, followed by a rash that develops into itchy blisters. The rash usually appears on one side of the body and develops on the area of skin related to the affected nerve. Shingles can occur anywhere on the body, but it typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left or right side of the torso. Shingles is more common in older adults and in people who have weakened immune systems. There is no cure for shingles, but antiviral medication can help to reduce the severity of the condition and complications. Painkillers can also be recommended to ease discomfort caused by shingles. Getting vaccinated against shingles reduces the chance of developing the condition. The shingles vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 50 years and over, people aged 18 years or older with a weak immune system, and people over 50 years who have contact with someone who has a weak immune system.