Shingles and chickenpox are caused by the same virus, which is called varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Anyone who catches chickenpox (most commonly spread through children) will have the virus stay dormant in their body, for even years after the chickenpox recovery. If the virus reactivates down the road, it causes shingles, but this only typically happens once throughout the patient’s lifetime. It is much more common in those who are aged 50 or older or have a weakened immune system. There is no specific cause known yet for what reactivates the virus, but it can be directly tied to having a weakened immune system. The best way to avoid developing shingles is to ensure that you are vaccinated against the virus.