Shingles is a close relative of the varicella (chickenpox) virus and belongs to the herpes group of viruses.
Shingles lies dormant in the nervous system of most people following a chickenpox infection.
At some point in the future it can be triggered and produces the severe symptons you describe.
I had a friend at school who got shingles at the age of 14 so it isn't that unusual. She was off school for weeks.
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