People who are suffering from cancer and those who have undergone chemotherapy may be at least 40% more risk of developing shingles compared to those who don’t have cancer, according to a new study.

Shingles (herpes zoster) characterized by sore rashes and skin blisters is caused by the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox. The virus remains inactive in the body but causes shingles if it reactivates later in life.

The study found that patients with a blood related cancer had the greatest risk of shingles which is more than three times as compared to people without cancer, the Health Day reported.