Hard Facts About What Cause Shingles
Shingles SymptomsShingles can affect both the male and female gender. In fact, it is estimated that about a million Americans get it each year. Understanding the facts about what cause shingles can get you on the right track to medication and treatment.
Fact #1: You don't catch the shingles virus. It just gets reactivated.
Varicella zoster virus is the real cause behind shingles. It is also the same virus that causes chicken pox. When a person gets chicken pox, the virus can hide itself in the body and can be reactivated once the immune system becomes weak.
It is wrong to say you caught the virus from someone having it. You can only get chicken pox from someone who has the virus and who has fresh blisters. These, therefore are like another belated but more severe bout of chicken pox.
Facts #2: Shingles may or may not occur.
Not everyone who has had chicken pox will also automatically have them. It is estimated though that one in every ten individuals will develop it at a later age. It is still not clear whether what cause these can cause its repeated episodes. It is believed though that it usually happen only once and that a repeat of it is possible but is not always the case.
Fact #3: Shingles virus is not similar to other herpes viruses.
Understanding cause them will lead to the fact that it is caused by a type of herpes virus. This is why it is also known as herpes zoster. This does not mean though that what causes it can also cause genital herpes or mouth sores. The only reason why they all belong to the herpes group of viruses is because herpes viruses have the ability to infect an individual once and then become dormant for a span of time. They can reactivate only when a there is a trigger.
Fact #4: A weak immune system triggers shingles.
It is not true that you can get chicken pox and shingles and worsen your condition by eating chicken or other allergy inducing food. The real trigger for what causes it is a weak immune system. This is the reason why understanding its cause is important for the elderly.
Because their immune system are no longer in top shape, those who are in their 50s, 60s and above, stand the higher chances of getting it. It is also possible though that people with immune deficiencies and those sick with cancer and other serious ailments are also at high risk of developing it. Anyone with a weak immune system and has had chicken pox before can also have it.
Fact #5: Stress is another trigger for shingles.
Stress does not cause shingles. Stress however can increase the chances of an individual who is prone to the disease to develop it. This is because stress can affect the immune system which can lead to a reactivation of the virus. Normal stress actually serves to activate the immune system. Too much stress however can increase the level of work of the immune system that it may stop responding to ailments like it.
Get reliable facts to what cause shingles and recognizing shingles symptom. Find out more about the virus now.