It’s directly related to the varicella-zoster virus, the same one that causes chickenpox in childhood. What many people don’t know is that, once chickenpox has cleared up, the virus doesn’t disappear from the body. It remains dormant for years, even decades, lodged in the nervous system without causing symptoms. Under certain circumstances, it can reactivate and cause shingles.
This reactivation usually occurs when the immune system is weakened.
The body’s natural aging process, prolonged stress, chronic illnesses, medical treatments that weaken the immune system, or periods of intense physical and emotional strain can create an environment conducive to the reactivation of the virus. Therefore, although it is more common in adults over 50, it can also occur in younger people.
