Causes of Shingles
You cannot get shingles from other people. Only those with a history of chickenpox may develop this condition. Eventhough chickenpox heals, the virus does not go away. Instead, it stays dormant in the nerve roots around the brain or spine. You may not experience any symptoms during this period. In about 20 percent of people, however, the virus may be reactivated and cause shingles. Many people may develop this condition more than one time. [3]
Risk Factors for Chickenpox and Shingles
Chickenpox mainly affect children. The risk is highest in those between 4 and 10 years old. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the likelihood. On the other hand, shingles tend to occur in people over 50 years old who have a history of chickenpox. However, anyone who had chickenpox when they were young may be likely to develop shingles. It is impossible to get shingles if you have never had chickenpox. Scientists are still not fully understood what exactly reactivate the varicella zoster virus and cause symptoms of shingles. [4]
