Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox in childhood. When one gets over their chickenpox, the virus remains doormant in their nerves for life. This does not cause any harm but can allow the virus to reactivate to come back as shingles later on (also known as herpes zoster virus).
Factors that may increase the risk of re-activation of the virus and therefore shingles include:
- Weakened immune system (through medical contitions or other medication)
- Stress
- Age: Over 50
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https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/herpes-gm178635431-21791028?searchscope=image%2Cfilm
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