You are in Medical Library . I Government Agencies Varicella Zoster Virus Chicken pox and shingles are both caused by the same herpes virus, called varicella-zoster virus. Chicken pox usually occurs in early childhood, starting with mild flu-like symptoms that progress to a rash lasting a week to ten days. A vaccine to prevent chicken pox is now available.
Shingles usually occurs in adults who previously have had chicken pox.
Shingles tends to be more serious than chicken pox, causing a localized rash and itching, and pain that may last for months. Antiviral drugs are available for both chicken pox and shingles that make the disease much less severe. The materials in this section have been chosen to provide a solid introduction to your health condition. They explain anatomy and physiology, give descriptive overviews of the disease, and include a glossary of the medical terms you will come across in the rest of your report. Read this article to clear up the confusion, and to get a good overview of the diagnosis and treatments for these viral infections.