Why the virus re-emerges isn’t entirely understood, but there are theories.
Shingles is most common in older people, but anyone with the varicella-zoster virus is at risk.
In fact, reduced immunity is considered the biggest risk factor for shingles.
© Verywell, 2018
Stress could alsoplay a rolefor some people.
Shingles is an especially unpleasant illness.
PHN is characterized by a burning sensation where the shingles rash once was.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
It’s not entirely understood what prompts VZV to reactivate and cause shingles.
So, it’s not surprising that VZV would behave similarly.
The viral reactivation seems to have two main causes: a weakened immune system and stress.
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People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting shingles.
Your immune system naturally weakens with age, which is why the risk of shingles increases with age.
The majority of people who develop shingles are 50 years and older.
Stress
There’s some controversy surrounding the association between stress and shingles.
Some studies reveal that stress causes the shingles virus to reactivate.
Specifically, research shows that long-term stress increases inflammation and weakens the immune system.
Some researchers find no link between the two conditions.
More research needs to be done to understand the connection (or lack thereof) between shingles and stress.
The ganglia most likely to host varicella are those in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
Varicella also often affects the trigeminal ganglion, which provides sensation to the face.
As its name suggests, this particular clump of nerves has three branches.
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Prevention
Shingles is best prevented with a vaccine.
Called Shingrix, this vaccine is considered safe and 90% effective at preventing the disease.
It’s given in two doses and is available in medical offices and some pharmacies.
If you haven’t had chickenpox or a chickenpox vaccine:
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly.
you might’t catch shingles from someone else.
Shingles is due to the varicella-zoster virus that re-emerges after you’ve had chickenpox.
The first sign is often itching, tingling, or pain in a confined area.
The rash may appear there after a few days.
That’s why the vaccine is recommended even for people who’ve had shingles before.
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Published 2016 Jan 11. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0146750
