Factors the increase the risk of development of shingles
If you have ever had chickenpox, you are at risk of getting shingles. Most older adults have had chickenpox in their childhood due to this being before the time of routine vaccinations for diseases like chickenpox. That being said, there are a number of risk factors associated with shingles, these include:
- Being older than the age of 60 increases your risk of developing shingles as you may have had chickenpox before and the virus may activate again in future.
- Experiencing high levels of stress which weakens the immune system.
- Long-term use of drugs such as steroids and prednisone
- Having diseases that may weaken your immune system such as HIV/AIDS and cancer.
- Undergoing treatments for cancer such as radiation and chemotherapy can take a toll on your immune system.
- Taking certain medications that are designed to stop your body in rejecting a new organ.