People can get shingles more than once because the virus that causes shingles, the varicella-zoster virus, remains dormant in the body after the initial outbreak. It is typically reactivated when the body’s immune system is weakened or compromised from other illnesses or from aging.
When it is reactivated, it can become active again and cause an outbreak of shingles.
But there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include staying up to date with immunizations and your shingles vaccine, taking steps to boost your immunity, controlling stress, and eating a balanced diet.
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Why do I keep getting more shingles?
If you have already had shingles, it is possible to have a recurrence of the condition. It is estimated that around 1 in 3 people who have had shingles will have a recurrence at some point in their lifetime.
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a weakened immune system or if you’re under a lot of stress.
If your immune system is weakened due to an underlying health condition or if you’re taking medications such as steroids, you’re at a higher risk of getting shingles again. Additionally, if you’re over the age of 50, you have an increased risk of getting shingles again.
Other risk factors may include having recently had surgery or chemotherapy. If you’ve already had shingles, the best way to reduce your risk of recurrence is to make sure your immune system is strong.
This means eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and reducing stress. Additionally, there is a vaccine that can reduce the risk of getting shingles or its recurrence.
How many times can a person get shingles?
A person can get shingles more than once, but it is rare for it to happen more than twice in a lifetime. Most cases of shingles occur just once. The risk of getting shingles a second time is estimated to be less than 1%, although experts aren’t sure why some people are more susceptible to having multiple episodes.
While the virus responsible for chickenpox (varicella-zoster) is considered to be a lifelong infection, the immune system usually keeps the virus in check after the initial outbreak of chickenpox. In some cases, the virus reactivates and causes shingles.
For a person to suffer shingles more than twice is quite unusual.
How common is it to get shingles twice?
It is relatively rare to get shingles more than once, as the average person only gets it once in a lifetime. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1% and 5% of people who have had chickenpox will get it again.
This is due to the fact that after a person has had chickenpox, the virus that causes shingles lies dormant in the body. On rare occasions, the virus can reactivate and cause shingles again. Factors such as a weakened immune system due to age, illness, or certain medications can increase the risk of the virus reactivating.
Those who have already had shingles once should discuss their risk factors with their doctor, who can provide advice on how to reduce their chances of getting it again.
What can be done for recurrent shingles?
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend different medications or treatments.
The first line of treatment is usually an antiviral medication such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. Taking these medications can reduce the symptoms and help speed up the healing process.
They also help reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia (nerve pain caused by shingles).
Your doctor may also recommend certain over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with the pain and itching. Additionally, there are topical creams and lotions that can be used to ease discomfort and reduce itching.
If the pain persists, you doctor may also recommend a corticosteroid such as prednisone to reduce inflammation.
Additionally, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce the symptoms of shingles. This includes getting enough rest and avoiding stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding things that could trigger an outbreak, such as extreme temperatures or irritants.
Although there is no cure for shingles, these treatments can help reduce the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Is your immune system weaker after shingles?
It is possible that the immune system can be weakened after having shingles, however, the extent of this weakening is not the same for everyone. In most cases, even after having shingles, the immune system should be strong enough to fight off other illnesses.
However, cases of shingles can vary, and some people may be more at risk for a weaker immune system if their initial attack was very severe. People who have had shingles may have an increased risk for other illnesses, such as pneumonia, so it is important to follow post-shingles care measures to help keep the immune system functioning properly.
These can include eating a balanced, healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, and managing stress. In addition, it is important to see a doctor after having shingles, and they may be able to suggest further treatments or medications to help keep the immune system from becoming weakened.
Can stress cause recurring shingles?
Yes, stress has the potential to cause recurring shingles. This is because the varicella zoster virus (VZV), which causes both chicken pox and shingles, can lay dormant in the body for long periods of time before reactivating.
Stress can lower a person’s immunity, making them more susceptible to reactivating the virus and suffering shingles outbreaks.
Studies have also suggested that stress can lead to a reactivation of the virus in people who have already had chicken pox or shingles in the past. This reactivation can cause ongoing, frequent cases of shingles that last for years or even a lifetime.
It’s important to try and manage stress levels to reduce the risk of recurrent shingles outbreaks. This can include leading a healthy lifestyle, getting enough rest and exercise, avoiding substances like cigarettes and alcohol, and participating in relaxation exercises.
Do I need shingles vaccine if I already had shingles?
If you have already had shingles, it is recommended that you get the shingles vaccine as it can help prevent future outbreaks and reduce the risk of complications associated with shingles. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the virus, so it won’t cause shingles but can help your body build immunity against it.
Getting the vaccine could also reduce the severity of future outbreaks if you do experience them. Additionally, the shingles vaccine is recommended for those over the age of 50, as the likelihood of catching shingles increases with age.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommend that if you have already had shingles, you wait at least one year before getting the shingles vaccine.
How long does immunity last after shingles?
The duration of immunity after shingles varies on an individual basis. Generally, immunity to the varicella-zoster virus — the virus that causes shingles — can last up to three years or longer in healthy adults.
It is possible to become re-infected with the virus, however, it is rare. Those with a weakened immune system, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS, may have their immunity last for a shorter amount of time.
If a person has had shingles more than once, it is a good idea to get a blood test to check for re-infection. The varicella-zoster virus can cause a milder version of shingles called zoster sine herpete, which can flare up at any time.
Those with zoster sine herpete can find it helpful to take steps to maintain their immunity, such as avoiding stressful situations, getting an adequate amount of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding contact with those who are infected with the virus.
Are you immune to shingles if you had it?
No. Unfortunately, it is possible to be affected by shingles more than once. Even if you had shingles in the past, it can come back. If a person has had chickenpox in the past, the virus stays dormant in their nervous system and can reawaken as shingles later in life.
This means that anyone who has had the chickenpox virus is at risk of getting shingles, even if they had it before. The good news is that there is a vaccine available to prevent shingles. It is recommended for individuals over the age of 60 years old.
Even if a person has had shingles before, getting vaccinated can provide additional protection from future attacks.
How do you prevent recurring shingles?
The best way to prevent recurring shingles is to get the shingles vaccine. The shingles vaccine is recommended for everyone over 50 years old and can help prevent shingles from recurring. The vaccine works by helping the body build up immunity to the virus.
Additionally, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with anyone who has shingles or chickenpox. Eating foods with high levels of vitamin A, such as carrots and sweet potatoes, as well as getting plenty of rest and managing stress can also help to prevent shingles from recurring.
Finally, getting routine check-ups with your doctor can help to detect any signs of shingles early, allowing for treatment to be started as soon as possible.
What medications can trigger shingles?
Certain medications, such as those used to treat cancer and transplant patients, can increase the risk of developing shingles. Immunosuppressant medication that is used to prevent organ rejection during a transplant, as well as chemotherapy drugs, can weaken the immune system and reduce the ability to fight off the virus that causes shingles.
Long-term use of steroids, such as prednisone, can also impede the body’s natural ability to defend against the virus. Other drugs that can contribute to shingles include antipsychotics, beta blockers and anti-seizure medications.
Additionally, many people report that they develop shingles after beginning certain HIV drugs or even within a few months after a vaccination. Therefore, if you are on long-term medication for any reason, it’s important to speak to your doctor about the possible side effects and if shingles is one of them.
Why do I get shingles every few months?
Unfortunately, there is no clear answer as to why you are getting shingles every few months. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After the chickenpox infection has cleared, the virus remains dormant in your body and can reactivate and cause shingles years later.
Factors such as age, poor health, stress, weakened immune system, and illnesses can increase the risk of shingles reactivating. It’s possible that any of these factors could contribute to why you’re getting shingles every few months, but it is impossible to pinpoint the exact cause without more detailed medical history and testing from a doctor.
It is important to speak to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing shingles more frequently, as sometimes the virus can become more aggressive and more persistent. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain medications or treatments to help with the symptoms, as well as prevent further outbreaks.
Does shingles come back in the same spot?
No, shingles typically only strikes once in the same spot. However, it can come back in a different spot on a person’s body. In some cases, recurrent episodes of shingles may be triggered by illness or a weakened immune system.
The virus that causes shingles can remain in a person’s body for years and the virus may reactivate without warning. It is possible for a person to develop shingles again in different locations if the virus is reactivated.
It is recommended that individuals who have suffered from shingles get a shingles vaccine to reduce their risk of getting shingles again.
What triggers shingles outbreaks?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When somebody has chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nerve cells of the body. In some cases, years later, the virus can become active again and cause shingles.
The exact cause of reactivation of the virus is not known, but it likely has something to do with a weakened immune system. Factors that can weaken the immune system and make a person more susceptible to outbreaks of shingles include stress, certain illnesses, and certain medications.
For example, shingles is more common in people over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS or cancer. People on medications that suppress the immune system such as prednisone or chemotherapy drugs may also be more susceptible to outbreaks.
People undergoing physical or emotional stress such as surgery or the death of a loved one may also experience more frequent outbreaks.
