Shingles, as you may already know, is a disease that come in the form of an infection. The virus that causes chicken pox causes shingles, while the virus that causes shingles is called Varicella zoster and can infect someone who suffered from chicken pox at a young age. Once a child has recovered from chicken pox, the virus remains in the body and can re-attack at old age when he his body is weak or even before old age.

If you have suffered and come out of chicken pox, you are probably worried about this disease and would like to prevent it before it attacks you. Though this disease is not fatal, it can cause lot of pain for the time you are suffering from it and can even cause nerve pain.

If you have never had chicken pox in your life, you do not have to worry about catching shingles as the virus was never there in your body in the first place. But if you have, probably why you are here, you can prevent yourself from getting shingles.

Before we proceed, you must also know that if you have never had chicken pox, yet you come in contact with someone suffering from shingles, you will not get shingles, but can most definitely get chicken pox, which, in the later stage of your life, can give you shingles.

Here are some prevention methods you can bank upon. Prevention will not make you shingle proof, but will reduce your risk of catching the disease without a doubt.

Vaccine
Consider getting yourself vaccinated by Zostavax vaccine. This vaccine is approved in the market but is recommended for people who have reached or crossed 60 years of age as people above 60 are more prone to shingles.

Avoid people infected from shingles
Whether you have had chicken pox in your life, or not, you must avoid people who are infected with the virus as it may open doors for shingles by giving you chicken pox.

Avoid people who have chicken pox
Chicken pox is highly contagious and is known to be more contagious than shingles. And for the same reason stated above, steer clear from people or kids having chicken pox.

Give importance to your immunity
Most health problems, including shingles, is caused because of weak immune system. The only way to strengthen your immune system is to live a healthy lifestyle by consuming only healthy food and drinks and exercising regularly. You may also visit your family doctor regularly to check your health.

Try to live a stress-free life
Mind is stronger than any medication. Yes, a healthy lifestyle helps you have a healthy mind, but you must try and keep yourself away from stress and be happy as much as you can.

Take hygiene seriously
Most viruses are able to attack us because of our unhygienic surroundings and practices. Wash your hands often and keep your surroundings clean and virus free.