You can only get shingles if you already had chickenpox and the
dormant virus from the chickenpox infection becomes reactivated.
Since only 20% of people who have had chickenpox develop
shingles, researchers are still trying to determine what makes
some people more likely to develop shingles than others. Some of
the factors that make people more likely to develop shingles
include: If you have a weakened immune system, you are more
likely to develop shingles. Conditions that increase your risk
include: Medications and Procedures Certain procedures and
medicines may increase your risk, such as: People over age 60
are more likely to develop shingles than younger people.
Caucasian people are more likely than African Americans to
develop shingles. - Reviewer: Peter Lucas, MD; Michael Woods, MD
- Review Date: 05/2013 - - Update Date: 05/30/2013 -