Read condition-specific symptoms and clinical context for Varicella-zoster virus. One virus behind two illnesses: chickenpox first, shingles later.
Varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox as a first infection. CDC states that shingles happens when the same virus reactivates in the body after a person has already had chickenpox. Someone with shingles cannot give another person shingles, but can pass chickenpox to a person who has never had it.
CDC describes an illness that usually lasts about 4 to 7 days, with early symptoms appearing 1 to 2 days before the rash. Vaccinated people can still get chickenpox, usually with milder symptoms.
Possible symptoms: Itchy, fluid-filled blisters that scab over; Fever; Tiredness; Loss of appetite; Headache.
CDC states chickenpox can be serious, even life-threatening, in babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Complications listed include bacterial skin infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, bleeding problems, sepsis and dehydration.
CDC describes pain, itching or tingling that can begin several days before the rash, and a rash whose blisters usually scab in 7 to 10 days and clear within 2 to 4 weeks.
Possible symptoms: Painful rash in a stripe on one side; Pain, itching or tingling before the rash; Fever; Headache; Chills; Upset stomach.
CDC describes long-term nerve pain, postherpetic neuralgia, as the most common complication, affecting about 10% to 18% of people with shingles and becoming more likely with age. Shingles on the face can affect the eye and cause vision loss.
Source check: 2026-09-19. Educational content; independent scientific review remains pending.