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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful, blistering rash on one side of the face or body caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. This rash can last for weeks, disrupting your work and time with your family. There are an estimated 1 million cases of shingles in the US each year.
Your risk for developing shingles sharply increases after 50 years of age. But there’s an easier way to learn about shingles. Talk to your doctor about your risk for shingles and about prevention.
Understanding your risk for shingles is important.
Patient’s personal experience. Shingles symptoms can vary case to case.
Shingles Risk Factors
Does Shingles Risk Increase After Age 50?
As a person ages, their immune system naturally weakens and may be less likely to prevent the virus from reactivating, causing shingles. That’s why your risk of shingles sharply increases after age 50.
Can Chronic Health Conditions Increase Shingles Risk?
Adults 50 years and older may have additional risk factors for shingles. In addition to age, certain chronic health conditions can increase your shingles risk. These conditions include:
–Diabetes
–Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
–Asthma
–Heart diseases
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a potential complication of shingles, increases with age. The odds of PHN can also increase with certain conditions, such as diabetes, COPD, and asthma. PHN is pain that persists in the area where the rash was and can last for months or even years.
Can Stress Trigger Shingles?
Stress may increase your risk of shingles. However, age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles. Most cases of shingles occur in adults over 50 years old.
Can I Get Shingles More Than Once?
While the chance is low, shingles can return because the virus remains in your body. However, most people who get shingles will only have it one time.
Viola Davis Gets Real About Shingles, actually
Learn from Viola Davis, Dr Jen Caudle, and shingles advocates Phil and Linda about the importance of talking with your doctor or pharmacist about your risk for shingles.
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