Shingles (also called herpes zoster) occurs when a person's past chickenpox infection is reactivated.

CNN: Is it possible to get shingles after childbirth a second time?

Postherpetic neuralgia (post-her-PET-ic noo-RAL-jah) is a complication of shingles, which is caused by the chickenpox (herpes zoster) virus.

CNN: Postherpetic neuralgia

There is now a herpes zoster vaccine that is recommended for most individuals over the age of 60.

CNN: Is it possible to get shingles after childbirth a second time?

The chickenpox virus (called varicella zoster virus) remains inactive within the nervous system but may show up as shingles in about 20 percent of people.

CNN: Is it possible to get shingles after childbirth a second time?

Gaddis lists the major ones: appendicitis, amoebic dysentery, ulcers, kidney stones, herpes zoster, prostate problems, jaundice, arthritis, and heart irregularities all prone to being compounded by drug reactions.

NEWYORKER: Getting Real

The idea that ultraviolet (UV) rays can inactivate viruses is not new, but this is the first time that such firm conclusions have been made in connection with the varicella-zoster virus, the herpes virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles.

FORBES: Sun's UV Rays May Prevent Chickenpox