Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, or VZV, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus stays in the body even after recovering from chickenpox or receiving the chickenpox vaccine and can reactivate, causing a new infection called shingles. The risk of developing shingles increases as you age. About half of all shingles cases are in adults aged 60 or older, and the chance of getting shingles becomes much greater by age 70. Kristine shares her experience with shingles and urges everyone, especially those over 50, to get vaccinated. Learn more about vaccination and other vaccine-preventable diseases by visiting AgingResearch.org/OurBestShot.
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