Herpes and shingles are inclusive. Herpes is a general term for all types of herpes, including herpes simplex, genital herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Herpes zoster is only one type of herpes. There are eight viruses in the family Herpesviridae that are known to cause human disease. These viruses are collectively known as human herpes viruses and can cause different types of herpes. Herpes zoster is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus and can occur anywhere on the body, including the head, face, lower back, chest, abdomen, and extremities, and is usually arranged in bands along the nerves. The rash is more widespread than herpes vulgaris and can be associated with severe pain and even fever, and can be triggered by poor rest and a weakened immune system. Herpes zoster can take at least 2-3 weeks to heal, and some patients may even have residual neuralgia. Nerve-nourishing, antiviral and pain-relieving treatments should be given early in the course of the disease.
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