Shingles is a painful localized skin rash caused by the varicella zoster virus. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles because the virus remains in nerve cells long after the chickenpox virus has cleared. Individuals over the age of 50, persons with a suppressed immune system, or any one taking immunosuppressive medications are at risk for developing shingles. The CDC recommends a single dose of zoster vaccine for adults aged 60 years and older.
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