Shingles
2. Who is at risk?
Most cases of shingles occur in people over 60. The chickenpox virus is more likely to become active again when your immune system is weaker.
This happens gradually as we get older and certain conditions may also make you more susceptible, such as:
- high doses of steroids;
- cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy);
- infections and injuries;
- surgery;
- physical and emotional stress;
- drugs used after organ transplants (immunosuppressants); and
- conditions affecting the immune system (such as HIV and AIDS).
