The chickenpox virus, or varicella zoster, you experienced as a child does not leave your body --- instead, the virus lies dormant in your tissues. When a trigger activates the virus, you experience a condition known as shingles. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful condition that causes pain, itching, fever, chills, numbness and the formation of fluid-filled blisters. Being aware of shingles triggers, including those related to lifestyle activities such as exercise, may help you to prevent the onset of this painful condition.
Suppressed Immune System
Shingles most commonly occurs in those older than age 50 and your risk of experiencing shingles increases with age, according to MayoClinic.com. This is because your immune system becomes less effective as you age, making you more susceptible to conditions such as shingles. Other patient populations with suppressed immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, also may be at higher risk. Taking certain medications, including steroids such as prednisone and anti-transplant rejection medications, also can lower your immune system and contribute to a shingles outbreak.
Stress
Stress causes a number of inflammatory responses in the body and is considered a significant trigger for shingles. Stress is linked to causing depression, anxiety, fatigue and other harmful symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Stress can suppress your immune system, which can make you more vulnerable to experiencing a shingles outbreak. If you experience a high level of stress and anxiety in your daily life, offset this with regular relaxation activities, such as yoga, tai chi or listening to music to soothe you. These activities can soothe your stress levels and help prevent the onset of shingles.
Vigorous Exercise
For the most part, regular exercise can be a beneficial way to prevent shingles from occurring. As little as 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking each day can help you to improve your immune system response, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Exercise boosts the production of antibodies and cells that kill bacteria and other harmful substances that invade the body. Exercise also can elevate your mood, relieving the shingles stress trigger. However, it is important that you exercise at the appropriate level. For example, engaging in high-impact exercises, such as running or playing a contact sport at an advanced age, increases your risk of injury, according to Aetna InteliHealth. Because bone breaks and strains can temporarily compromise your immune system, this can put you at increased risk for developing shingles. Speak to your physician regarding any modifications necessary for your exercise routine and practice injury prevention techniques, such as warming up and cooling down during an exercise session.
References
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: Shingles
- MayoClinic.com: Shingles
- Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine: Shingles
- Best Health: Shingles
- Aetna InteliHealth: Age-Appropriate Exercises for Men
- Cleveland Clinic: Diet, Exercise, Stress and the Immune System
