Anyone who has ever had chickenpox can develop shingles. Factors that may increase your risk of developing shingles include:
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Being older than 50. Shingles is most common in people older than 50. The risk increases with age.
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Having certain diseases. Diseases that weaken your immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and cancer, can increase your risk of shingles.
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Undergoing cancer treatments. Radiation or chemotherapy can lower your resistance to diseases and may trigger shingles.
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Taking certain medications. Drugs designed to prevent rejection of transplanted organs can increase your risk of shingles — as can prolonged use of steroids, such as prednisone.