Shingles is caused by reactivation of which virus?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus, which is the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After an individual has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in specific nerve cells. Later in life, often due to factors such as stress, aging, or a weakened immune system, the virus can reactivate and lead to shingles (herpes zoster).

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing the epidemiology and clinical presentation of shingles. It highlights the importance of vaccination against chickenpox in children to prevent the later development of shingles. The Varicella zoster vaccine can significantly reduce the incidence of both chickenpox and shingles in the population, illustrating the link between these two conditions caused by the same virus.