Shingles – are you at risk?
There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles each year in this country. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles; even children can get shingles. However, the risk of shingles increases as you get older. Most people who develop shingles have only one episode during their lifetime. However, a person can have a second or even a third episode. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant (inactive) in the body. Scientists aren’t sure why the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles. Who might be at greater risk of getting shingles? Do you have medical conditions that keep their...
