5. Shingles
The varicella-zoster virus, responsible for causing chickenpox, spreads this disease as well. Children that contract chickenpox may carry the disease in their blood for years after infection. The virus can recur decades later in adult life as shingles. This viral infection is similar to chickenpox, but with more intense pain and fever. Blisters manifest in rings or long lines across the torso, face, and or neck. This inflammatory viral infection is another suspected cause of inflammation of the cranial nerve and the development of Bell’s Palsy.
Cases of shingles clear after two to three weeks and similar to chickenpox, adults are unlikely to experience the disease twice in their lifetime. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate 35% of Americans will experience shingles at some point in their like and the symptoms intensify with age. Risk factors for shingles include being 60 or older, use of chemotherapy or radiation treatment, the use of drugs like steroid medications used to manage organ transplants or hormone imbalances.