Think You’re Too Young to Get Shingles? Think Again
When most people think about shingles, they picture a disease that only affects older adults. While age does increase your risk, shingles can occur at almost any stage of life. In fact, younger adults are experiencing it more often than many realize.
Recent cases involving a few well-known younger individuals who have gotten shingles in recent years have helped bring more awareness. When he was in his late 20s, Justin Bieber, developed shingles in 2022, as part of Ramsay Hunt syndrome, which caused temporary facial paralysis. Gwyneth Paltrow experienced shingles in her 30s, which she associated with high stress and overworking, which weakens the immune system. In early 2024, even an elite athlete like Victor Wembanyama was affected by shingles in his early 20s despite being in peak physical condition.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus stays in your body, lying dormant in your nerves. Years later, it can reactivate and cause shingles (herpes zoster).
The condition often starts with a strange sensation in one area of the body. You might notice tingling, itching or burning before anything shows on your skin. A few days later, a rash appears, usually forming on one side of the body or face and following a stripe-like pattern. The rash turns into small fluid-filled blisters that can be very painful. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, and feeling tired.
What Affects Shingles Risk?
Age is a big risk factor because the immune system tends to weaken over time. But it’s not the only one. Younger adults can get shingles too, especially if their immune system is under stress. This can happen with illness, certain medications, a chronic lack of sleep, or high levels of ongoing stress. People with conditions that affect the immune system may also be at higher risk, no matter their age.
“Anything that disrupts your immune system—chronic stress, poor sleep, even overexertion—can create an opportunity for the virus to reactivate,” says PIH Health Internal Medicine Physician Puja Shrestha. “That’s why maintaining overall wellness is so important.”
One of the best ways to lower your risk of developing shingles is to keep your immune system strong. That means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet and managing stress when you can. Regular physical activity also helps support your immune health.
There’s also a vaccine that protects against shingles. It’s most often recommended for adults age 50 and older, but in some cases, younger adults at high risk may be advised to get the vaccine. If you aren’t sure if it’s right for you, talk to your doctor.
What If You Got the Chickenpox Vaccine?
If you were vaccinated against chickenpox, your risk of developing shingles is lower—but not zero. The vaccine uses a weakened form of the virus, which can still remain in the body. However, if shingles does develop, symptoms are generally milder compared to those who had a natural chickenpox infection.
What Should You Do If You Have Shingles?
Antiviral medications can shorten the length of the illness, make symptoms milder, and may reduce the risk of long-term nerve pain, which is one of the most common complications of the disease. If you notice symptoms of shingles, don’t wait to see a doctor—early treatment can make a difference.
Puja Shrestha MD
Puja Shrestha MD is a well-rounded Internal Medicine physician with years of experience. Dr. Shrestha comes from a family of physicians, including her father, as well as many of her aunts and uncles. Seeing the passion, dedication and satisfaction her relatives received from caring for patients greatly influenced Dr. Shrestha to pursue a career in medicine. However, it was a unique relationship with her grandmother and the experience of caring for her which ultimately inspired her love of caring for seniors. She is committed to providing her patients with the tools necessary to live full and healthy lives, and encourages open communication during every patient visit. In her spare time, Dr. Shrestha enjoys an active lifestyle, cooking and spending time with her husband, who is also a physician and their child.
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