Shingles Causes
 Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox. After we are first exposed to the virus and our chicken pox has subsided, it becomes dormant in the nerves surrounding our spinal cord. When the virus flares up again, we develop shingles, or herpes-zoster, instead of chicken pox.
Shingles causes a variety of symptoms, and, as with any medical condition, early detection will often reduce the time and severity of the illness. Many people complain of flu-like symptoms before the outbreak of a painful itchy rash. Typically, shingles lasts from 2-4 weeks.
The reasons for a shingles flare-up are varied. Many health care professionals believe that weakened immune systems are one of the primary shingles causes. Immune weakening can be caused by:
- Age
- Injury
- Infection
- Illness
- Medication
- Stress
- Depression
Exposure to shingles will not cause you to contract the infection; however, if you have never had chicken pox and have not been vaccinated, exposure to shingles can cause you to develop chicken pox.
If you or your child is experiencing shingles symptoms, or you would like more information about shingles causes or the chicken pox vaccine, contact your health care provider. He or she will be able to help diagnose the condition and give you more information about how to prevent infection of the varicella-zoster virus and herpes-zoster infections.
|
