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Are You at Risk for Shingles? 5 Surprising Factors to Consider
Published: Sep 29, 2023
Shingles can strike anyone who's had chickenpox, but certain factors increase your risk. Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures.
Age: The Biggest Risk Factor
Age is the most significant risk factor for shingles. As we get older, our immune system naturally weakens, making it easier for the dormant varicella-zoster virus to reactivate. The risk starts to increase around age 50 and rises sharply after 60. In fact, about half of all shingles cases occur in people 60 and older. This is why the shingles vaccine is recommended for adults 50 and up.
Immune System Challenges
A weakened immune system significantly increases your risk of shingles. This includes people with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, and organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs. Certain medications, like long-term use of steroids, can also suppress the immune system. Even chronic stress or lack of sleep can weaken your immune defenses, potentially increasing your shingles risk.
Unexpected Risk Factors
Some risk factors for shingles might surprise you. For instance, having certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase your risk. Trauma or injury to a specific area of your body may trigger shingles in that area. Even your race can play a role - studies have shown that Caucasians are at higher risk than African Americans. Interestingly, women are also slightly more likely to develop shingles than men.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stress can weaken your immune system, potentially triggering shingles.
Yes, shingles can only occur in people who've had chickenpox.
No, but you can get chickenpox if you've never had it.
It reduces the risk but doesn't eliminate it entirely.
Knowledge is Power
Understanding your risk factors for shingles can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.
References
- Cohen JI, Brunell PA, Straus SE, Krause PR. Recent advances in varicella-zoster virus infection. Ann Intern Med 1999; 130:922.
- Gnann JW Jr, Whitley RJ. Clinical practice. Herpes zoster. N Engl J Med 2002; 347:340.
- McKay SL, Guo A, Pergam SA, Dooling K. Herpes Zoster Risk in Immunocompromised Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 71:e125.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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