Shingles triggers when the varicella-zoster virusthe bug responsible for chicken poxreactivates in the body.

But that doesnt mean you cant get shingles if youre younger.

Half of all cases occur in people under age 60, Dr. Cohen says.

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HZO can also cause potentially life-threatening complications.

This particular bang out ofshinglesis a risk factor for strokes and neurological complications.

It can also cause lasting vision problems.

Both cause pain, redness, decreased vision, and sometimes glaucoma.

Repeated flare-ups are associated with chronic eye disease and scarring, as well as vision loss.

Ive always been interested in infectious diseases, well before I suffered from HZO, she says.

The results of the study supported Dr. Cohens hypothesis.

To avoid shingles, including HZO, the most important thing you’re free to do isget vaccinated.

The two-dose shingles vaccine iscurrently recommendedfor healthy adults over 50 and immunocompromised adults over the age of 19.