Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, raises awareness about shingles—also known as herpes zoster—and why it’s not just a condition that affects the elderly.
“Many people associate shingles with older adults, especially those over 60,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.
“However, if you’re in your 20s, 30s, or 40s and think you’re too young to worry about it, think again.”
A combination of stress, poor sleep, weakened immunity, and a history of chickenpox can put even young, healthy adults at risk.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles are caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t leave your body. Instead, it hides in your nervous system and can reactivate later in life as shingles. This condition causes a painful, blistering skin rash that typically appears on one side of the body, often wrapping around the torso or face.
While shingles aren’t contagious, the varicella-zoster virus can spread to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, potentially causing them to develop chickenpox for the first time.
Can Young Adults Get Shingles?
Yes—absolutely. Although shingles are more common in older adults, it is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people, especially those with weakened immune systems or high stress levels.
Factors that increase the risk include:
- Chronic stress and burnout.
- Sleep deprivation.
- Poor nutrition.
- Living with HIV or other immunocompromising conditions.
- Recent illness (COVID-19 or long COVID, for example).
- Autoimmune disorders or cancer treatments.
- Use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressant medications.
According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime. While age is a factor, lifestyle and health status are playing an increasingly important role.
Early Symptoms to Watch For
Shingles often begins with non-specific symptoms that can easily be mistaken for something else.
Early warning signs include:
- Tingling, burning, or itching in a specific area (often on one side of the body).
- Fatigue or flu-like symptoms.
- Low-grade fever or headache.
- Skin sensitivity or pain before a rash appears.
- Red patches that later develop into clusters of fluid-filled blisters.
Why It’s More Than Just a Rash
Shingles can lead to long-term health issues if left untreated. Potential complications include:
- Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Chronic nerve pain in the affected area that can last for months, or even years, after the rash clears.
- Ophthalmic Shingles: If the virus affects the eye, it can lead to vision loss.
- Skin infections: If the blisters are scratched or not kept clean, bacterial infections can develop.
- Neurological problems: In rare cases, shingles can lead to facial paralysis, hearing loss, or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
How Is Shingles Treated?
Treatment is most effective if started within 72 hours of the first symptoms. Options include:
- Antiviral medication (acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir) reduces the severity and duration of the outbreak.
- Pain management, including over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication.
- Topical creams to soothe itching and reduce inflammation.
- Rest, hydration, and immune support can be achieved through a balanced diet and stress reduction.
Without prompt treatment, recovery may be slower, and complications more likely.
Conclusion
Many younger adults may overlook the signs of shingles simply because they don’t think it can affect them. But with high levels of daily stress, increasing rates of immune-compromising conditions such as HIV, and limited access to preventative healthcare in some areas, young people are also at risk. If you experience a burning or tingling sensation, unexplained pain on one side of your body, or the appearance of a blistering rash—don’t ignore it. Catching shingles early can help you avoid serious complications, including long-term nerve pain and vision problems. Affinity Health offers affordable Day-to-Day and Hospital Plans that cover GP consultations, prescription medication, diagnostic testing, and referrals to specialists for infections such as shingles. With additional access to telehealth services and support for managing chronic conditions, you can take control of your health without added financial pressure and additional stress.
“We want to remind younger adults that shingles are preventable, treatable, and manageable when caught early,” concludes Murray Hewlett.
