A weakened immune system can trigger the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken-pox. The major risk factors associated with shingles include age, a chronic health condition, a treatment that weakens the immune system, diseases that weaken your immune system, undergoing treatments like chemotherapy and radiati

Stress doesn't technically cause shingles, but it can cause your immune system to weaken — and a weakened immune system can put you at risk for shingles. A viral illness, shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.