The answer is, they are caused by the same virus – Varicella Herpes Zoster.  While Chicken Pox is highly contagious, Shingles is not.  In fact, the theory is that once a person contracts Chicken Pox, the virus remains dormant in the system until the immune response is diminished, allowing the virus to re-infect the victim in the form of Shingles.

Since roughly 20 percent of the adult population will, at some time or another, develop Shingles it is obviously not a very common affliction.  However, for those who have experienced the disease, Shingles, it is hardly a benign problem.

The symptoms usually start with severe, unremitting pain in part of the body, usually in the back or under the rib cage.  The source of the pain is difficult to determine.  Some people think that they have pulled a muscle whereas others suspect gall bladder disease or even a heart attack.  Eventually, tiny vesicles start to develop along a line extending from the back to under the breast line.  The virus is inflaming nerves along a path, which is why the vesicles do not extend over the entire body the way they do when Chicken Pox occurs. 

When Shingles involves the face, the possibility of the virus infecting the eyes is significant. Blindness can occur if the eyes become involved so an immediate visit to the doctor is in order.

As the rash becomes more evident, pain increases as the vesicles open and drain.  During this time the person is shedding the Herpes Zoster virus so anyone who has a compromised immune system, such as people receiving chemotherapy, have had organ transplants, have HIV/AIDS or have never had Chicken Pox have a chance of becoming infected.  Since the Herpes Zoster virus can have a devastating impact upon people at risk, it is best for sufferers with open lesions to remain isolated.

Even after the lesions have disappeared, the pain of Shingles can remain for days, weeks or even months.  If Shingles has occurred on the face then, infrequently, a paralysis affecting part of the face can result (Bell’s palsy).  The condition is generally self limiting, but can become permanent.

Medications can limit the course and suffering once Shingles has occurred. However, the best solution is to get a Shingles vaccination so that disease won’t be contracted in the first place.  The Shingles vaccination can be given even if a person has suffered a previous episode.  Ask your physician if such a vaccination would be in your best interest.

A word of caution – while Shingles is seldom dangerous in the elderly population, Chicken Pox can be devastating.  Adults who contract Chicken Pox can develop major complications.  Pregnant woman are at special risk if they become infected with Varicella Herpes Zoster.  Chicken Pox in the adult population and particularly in the elderly is a very serious disease and requires immediate medical attention. 

In a day and age when children are routinely vaccinated for Chicken Pox, there seems to be little concern about contracting the disease from them.  However, if their parents have not allowed for vaccinations or if their vaccinations are out of date, the possibility of Chicken Pox infecting children is still a concern.  It is best for adults with Shingles to stay away from unvaccinated children, and it is a very good idea for children with Chicken Pox to avoid their elderly relatives or adults who have never had the disease.