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What Causes Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, also known as the varicella zoster virus. After a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body and becomes inactive. Years later, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles (also known as herpes zoster). While not everyone at risk will get shingles, 99% of people 50 years or older already have the virus that causes shingles inside them, and it can reactivate at any time.
Shingles Risk Factors
Your Age Can Put You at Risk for Shingles
Your risk for shingles sharply increases after age 50. As a person ages, their immune system begins to weaken and is less likely to prevent the virus from reactivating. That’s why your risk of shingles increases with age.
Chronic Health Conditions Can Increase Your Risk of Shingles
In addition to age, chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or asthma may also increase your risk of shingles.
Like shingles, the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) increases with age and certain conditions, such as diabetes, COPD, or asthma. PHN is pain that persists in the area where the rash was and can last for months or even years.
Shingles and Stress
Stress may increase your risk of shingles. However, age is the most important risk factor for developing shingles, as most cases of shingles occur in adults over 50 years old.
Getting Shingles More Than Once Is Possible
You can have shingles more than once. However, most people will only have it one time.
Misconceptions About Shingles
MYTH: Shingles is airborne. If I limit contact with large groups of people, I won't be at risk.
FACT: Shingles is not transmitted through the air. It is caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, which remains inactive in the body after having chickenpox.
MYTH: Staying healthy and keeping fit will keep me from getting shingles.
FACT: The risk for shingles increases as you get older, even if you feel healthy.
MYTH: No one in my family has had shingles, so I won't get it either.
FACT: Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for shingles. Age and certain medical conditions can increase your risk.
How You Can Help Prevent Shingles
You don’t need to find out about shingles the hard way. If you’re 50 years of age or older, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about shingles vaccination.
Explore the GSK Help Center website to find customer service support and contact information.