What Actually Causes Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the VZ virus (varicella-zoster virus). It is the same virus which also causes chickenpox. Post recovery from the chickenpox, the virus remains dormant (in silent stage) in the nervous system and can reactivate years later as shingles. The exact cause of reactivation is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a weakened immune system or stress. Other risk factors for developing shingles include; (4)
- Weakened immune system due to age, stress, illness, or medications
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer
- HIV or AIDS
- Organ transplantation or use of immunosuppressant drugs
- Chronic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease
- Physical or emotional trauma
- Exposure to individuals with chickenpox or shingles (via direct contact with blisters or inhalation of respiratory droplets)
- Advanced age (most common in people over 50 years old)
- Female gender (women are more likely to develop shingles than men)
- Genetic factors
- Certain medications that weaken the immune system, such as steroids or chemotherapy drugs
It’s important to note that while shingles is not contagious, individuals with shingles can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to others who have not had chickenpox or the varicella vaccine. This can lead to chickenpox, not shingles, in those individuals.