VIRUS SHINGLES CAN CAUSE HEADACHE, SKIN RASHES AND HIGH TEMPERATURE

Shingles, which is also called herpes zosta, is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. 

An episode of the infection can last up to around four weeks. 

The painful infection - which can feel like burning or a dull ache - is often mistaken for chicken pox, because it creates a rash which can develop into itchy blisters. 

The rash can last for up to a week before scabs form over the blisters. 

Symptoms of the condition include a headache, burning or itchiness of the skin and a high temperature. The rash usually affects a specific area of the body, such as the stomach.

Experts say it is not possible to catch shingles from someone with the condition or from someone with chickenpox.

However, NHS Choices said people can catch chicken pox from someone with shingles if they have not had chicken pox before.

Most people have chicken pox when they are young, however shingles can be triggered when the virus - which remains in the body - is reactivated.

Often the cause of the ‘reactivation’ is old age because the immune system weakens, emotional stress - chemicals in the body released during stressful periods can also stop the immune system working properly and chemotherapy.

People who have HIV are also more likely to get shingles, according to NHS Choices.
Experts also warn that women who are pregnant or haven’t had chicken pox before, could catch it from someone with shingles.

Babies less than one month old must also not come into contact with people with shingles.