1. The Chickenpox Virus Reappears as Shingles
Most cases of shingles develop in older adults or those in their 50s, 60s and up. This is because our immune systems become weaker as we age. If you had the chickenpox as a child, you are more at risk for developing shingles as an adult. Confusing, but the virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus, never really leaves our system. It goes to sleep in the nerve roots until the right condition allows the chickenpox virus to resurface as shingles--conditions such as growing older or a serious injury.
2. Stress Weakens the Immune System
We've all heard that stress can make you sick; well, it's true. Whether you have physical stress from doing too much or you're suffering from emotional stress due to a loss, grief or trauma in your life, it weakens your immune system. Stress puts your nerves on edge, and this could trigger that form of the herpes virus to develop into shingles.
3. Pregnant Women and Babies At Higher Risk For Shingles
Pregnant women who developed the chickenpox during pregnancy right before the baby was born or had chickenpox as a baby themselves are at a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with shingles or the actual chickenpox. Pregnant women and newborn babies who've never had the chickenpox virus should stay away from individuals with both the chickenpox and the shingles.
4. Shingles Can Develop in Cancer and AIDS Patients
Cancer patients and those with AIDS or an autoimmune disease are at high risk to develop shingles. The strong medications and treatments, such as chemotherapy, weaken the body's ability to maintain a strong immune system. In addition, cancer and AIDS cause a great deal of emotional stress that can further weaken the immune system. Like others, if these patients have had the chickenpox earlier in life, they are at a high risk to develop shingles.
5. Children, Chickenpox and Shingles Just Don't Mix
Children who have not had the chickenpox are at risk of developing the chickenpox virus if exposed to someone with the shingles. This is particularly true if the shingles-infected person has open sores with which a child may come in contact. It is best to keep children away from anyone with the shingles just to be on the safe side.
