Herpes Zoster (Shingles): Understanding the Virus & Causes

Herpes zoster (shingles) is a common disease among older people. But herpes zoster is neither HSV-1 nor HSV-2, as it is caused by a different virus called varicella zoster virus (VZV), or human herpes virus type 3 (HHV-3).

Chicken Pox

• Herpes zoster is a familiar to people who have suffered from chicken pox. Herpes zoster might occur because of decreased immunity or stress, and it usually occurs in belts or series. The most commonly affected areas are the face, back and legs.

Type 1

• Type 1 herpes usually appears as cold and fever blisters. In severe cases of infection and decreased immunity, a different kind of blister, which has the appearance of a water blister and will later open to form sores, affects the host. The disease is also common among children in Saudi Arabia.

Type 2

• Type 2 herpes generally affects the genitals. This and the other types can occur simultaneously, as herpes zoster can present itself with initial signs of fever, chills, nausea, headache and fatigue.