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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Shingles?

Hello. I just went to my doctor today thinking I had a severe sunburn. I found out that I have shingles. I didn't know how this was possible as I am so careful with my surroundings. I told her I never had chickenpox as a child. I never had any blisters, sores, or typical symptoms of chickenpox. She said I probably had a subclinal case of chickenpox. Can you please explain this to me?
Tue, 1 Aug 2017
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

I understand your concern.

Shingles and chickenpox are both caused by a virus called varicella-zoster.

It is true that if you have passed chickenpox as a child, you have high chances to get re-infected as an adult as in your case.

You do not remember to have passed chickenpox, most probably it was latent with no typical symptoms.

Hope this answers your query.
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What Causes Shingles?

Hi, I understand your concern. Shingles and chickenpox are both caused by a virus called varicella-zoster. It is true that if you have passed chickenpox as a child, you have high chances to get re-infected as an adult as in your case. You do not remember to have passed chickenpox, most probably it was latent with no typical symptoms. Hope this answers your query.