Shingles: Things You Should Know (Questions and Answers)

The book describes how the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, can remain dormant in the body and later reactivate as shingles, also known as herpes zoster. It explains how the condition produces painful rashes and blisters, usually on one side of the body, and details the stages of infection and recovery.

Key topics include nerve pain, ophthalmic shingles, postherpetic neuralgia, meningitis, pneumonia, encephalitis, and Ramsay Hunt syndrome. Symptoms such as burning, itching, tingling, fever, light sensitivity, and fatigue are discussed, along with complications that may affect the skin, eyes, ears, or nervous system.

Diagnosis, risk factors, and treatments are also outlined, including antiviral therapy, pain management, topical care, and vaccination for prevention.

This book will interest students, health science learners, and those studying infectious diseases who want to understand shingles, its symptoms, and medical management.