HSV and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are common pathogens of skin and mucous membranes and the CNS. Their rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for their treatment as well as infection control.
"Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It's the same virus that causes chickenpox," said Dr. Eugene Fellin, a family medicine physician at Penn State Health Medical Group—Fleetwood.