As you get older, you may be paying more attention to your health now than you used to. And that's a good thing. But if you've ever had chickenpox, the virus that causes Shingles is inside you. And that means the painful, blistering rash of Shingles can happen to you at any time. SHINGLES THE INSIDE STORY ARE YOU AT RISK? It's hard to tell when the Shingles rash will erupt, but here's what we do know: 1. If you've had chickenpox, you are at risk for Shingles. And 98% of adults in the United States have had chickenpox. 2. You're at greater risk for Shingles as you get older. 3. Shingles can strike at any time and it can be painful. If you've had chickenpox, the Shingles virus is already inside you. The virus that causes chickenpox never leaves your body. Instead, it stays in your nervous system, and can reemerge and cause the Shingles rash. Your risk for Shingles increases as you get older. When you're young, your immune system is usually strong enough to keep the virus in check. But your immune system weakens as you age, making it easier for Shingles to break through your body's defenses. That's why it's important to talk to a pharmacist about Shingles. Here is a photo of the Shingles rash on a hand.