What happens if i have had shingles, can i get them again?

Yes you can: A common form of cutaneous neuropathic pain is associated with herpes zoster infection (shingles). Herpes zoster is due to reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus established in sensory ganglia following an attack of chicken pox. People who suffer pain for longer periods after their shingles are nearly five times more likely to suffer a recurrence. Vaccination is the only protection.