Why Some People Develop Shingles While Others Never Do

Many people have known friends who developed shingles, while other people do not develop it at all. Therefore, questions arise regarding why some individuals are affected by the condition, while others remain unaffected. The reasons stem from the way the virus functions within an individual’s body as well as the individual’s immune response to the virus over the course of their lifetime.

Gaining insight into shingles will allow people to make educated decisions. Gaining an understanding of the increased likelihood of developing shingles will encourage open dialogue with their healthcare professional on topics such as prevention and overall wellness.

The Virus Can Stay Dormant For Years

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. Once a person develops chicken pox, they are no longer infected with the live virus. However, the virus does not completely leave the nervous system. It instead becomes dormant, remaining inactive within the nervous system.

For many people, the virus remains dormant for life without causing further problems. In contrast, other people may experience an outbreak of the virus many years (or sometimes decades) after initially being exposed to the virus. Researchers are studying why this occurs; however, researchers understand that the manner in which an individual’s immune system responds varies greatly among individuals.

A Strong Immune System Plays An Important Role

An individual’s immune system helps maintain control over the inactive state of the virus. As humans age, there are natural declines in immune functioning that can result in less ability to keep the virus dormant. Additionally, medical conditions and/or medical treatment can impact an individual’s immune functioning.

Learning about the risk factors for shingles provides individuals with a greater awareness of those who may be more likely to develop the disease. This information can support educated conversations with healthcare professionals concerning prevention and maintaining good health.

Healthy Habits Support Overall Wellness

No single decision or habit guarantees you’ll never get shingles; however, adopting habits that promote your overall wellness will help keep your immune system working as it should. These include regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting adequate rest, and finding effective means to manage daily stress. Additionally, routine visits with your doctor are helpful in staying up-to-date on the latest vaccination recommendations and to share your medical history so you can make educated decisions based on your own situation.

Awareness Encourages Better Health Decisions

Most people believe that there is little or no way to prevent shingles from occurring unexpectedly. However, by educating yourself about how this virus functions and which demographic groups may be at a higher risk for contracting it (e.g., age), you can eliminate some of the uncertainty surrounding the possibility of getting shingles. Furthermore, having reliable sources of information allows you to know when to seek medical attention for a potential infection. Moreover, by becoming better informed, you will encourage proactive discussions regarding preventing shingles rather than waiting until you experience symptoms.

Knowledge Is The First Step Toward Prevention

While nobody can predict exactly who will develop shingles, learning about the condition provides valuable peace of mind. By learning about how the virus enters a state of dormancy and how the body’s immune system affects its ability to reactivate and cause illness, individuals can make informed choices. Further, knowing what constitutes a “red flag” that warrants consulting with a healthcare provider can provide additional confidence. Ultimately, the most straightforward method to maintain long-term health and plan for the future is through continued education.