Shingles

Things that increase risk for developing shingles include:

• Having had chickenpox. You must have had chickenpox to get shingles.
• Being older than 50.
• Having a Reference weakened immune system Opens New Window due to another disease, such as diabetes or HIV infection.
• Experiencing stress or trauma.
• Having cancer or receiving treatment for cancer.
• Taking medicines such as Reference biologics that affect the body's ability to fight infections.

If a pregnant woman gets chickenpox, her baby has a high risk of developing shingles during his or her first 2 years of life. And if a baby gets chickenpox in the first year of life, he or she has a higher risk of developing shingles during childhood.^{Reference 1}

Reference Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) Opens New Window is a common complication of shingles that lasts for at least 30 days and may continue for months or years. You can reduce your risk for getting shingles and developing PHN by getting the shingles vaccine.

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