Shingles is characterized by a number of symptoms, including a rash and pain. It is most common in people over the age of 50. The condition is caused by a reinfection with the same virus that causes chickenpox. Therefore, people who have had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine are at risk for developing this condition. There is no cure for shingles, but there are several antiviral drugs than can help reduce the severity and length of the illness. Shingles is also known as herpes zoster.