Are Shingles the Same as Chicken Pox?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

Can you have shingles without having chicken pox?

Chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus. If you've never had chickenpox, you won't get shingles from someone who has it —, but you could get chickenpox.

Which is more contagious chickenpox or shingles?

You're typically less likely to transmit the varicella-zoster virus with shingles than with chickenpox. However, you can spread the varicella-zoster virus from the time that your symptoms start until your rash and blisters have crusted dry.