Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you’ve had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles. About 1 in 3 people will get shingles, and your risk increases as you age. Shingles is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be very painful. Although there is no cure, shingles can be prevented and treated. Her