Shingles : Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. When you get chickenpox -- usually as a child -- your immune system suppresses the virus, but it remains in your body for the rest of your life. The virus can reactivate if your immune system is challenged for some reason (a respiratory infection, stress, or just getting older can interfere with normal immune function). When it reactivates, the virus travels down your nerves, where it has been "hiding" from your immune system, and causes a localized eruption called shingles. If you have already had chickenpox, or if you have been vaccinated against chickenpox, you cannot catch shingles from another person.
Answered 10/4/2016
5.5k views
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A doctor has provided 1 answer
7 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your question