Shingles is an infection of the Herpes zoster virus (HZV) (typically occurring as a painful, blistered rash on the face or torso), which multiplies out of control.  This occurs due to a combination of two factors:

 (a) Conditions in the body encouraging its growth

(b) An overwhelmed or weakened immune system to keep it in check.

 The Herpes zoster virus (HZP) is the same virus responsible for chickenpox.  This virus can remain dormant for many years after contracting this typically childhood infection.

Once you have had shingles, the risk of recurrence is increased.  The virus lies dormant until your body undergoes more stress or develops an environment /terrain which encourages the virus to reactivate.

Rarely, HZV may enter the brain causing meningitis. HZV is not common in children.