The scientific name for the disease is herpes zoster. It is the late consequence of an infection with the chickenpox virus, the so-called varicella zoster virus, also known as varicella. Varicella belongs to the herpes viruses. The fact is that you cannot get shingles without chickenpox. This is because some viruses remain behind after the illness and lurk in the nerve nodes near the spinal column.

A weakened immune system increases the risk of contracting the disease

This disease affects around 400,000 Germans every year. A third of those affected are under 50 years old. The exact cause is not known - stress is often suspected, but this cannot be scientifically proven. What is known is that a weakened immune system can cause shingles to break out. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma or rheumatism also increase the risk.

Anti-herpes medication helps quickly - the sooner the better

The first symptoms are back pain and fatigue. After a few days, extremely painful nodules and blisters appear on the skin, which may contain fluid. The rash often only develops in one area of the body and then spreads in the shape of a belt - hence the name. Medication against herpes helps quickly. A vaccination has been available since 2013.