What are risk factors for shingles?

Shingles risk factors

Shingles can develop in anyone infected with the varicella-zoster virus. Almost all adults in the US have been exposed to the varicella virus.

Other risk factors for shingles include:

• Over 50 years old with naturally declining immunity
• Patients taking immunosuppressive drugs
• HIV/AIDS patients
• Bone-marrow or organ transplant patients
• Cancer patients
• Chronic steroid therapy
• Psychological stress