Millennials are experiencing higher rates of shingles, a painful reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster), primarily due to high levels of stress, burnout, and weakened immunity. Other factors include previous exposure to chickenpox, lack of routine childhood vaccination for some, recent illnesses like COVID-19, and potential long-term immune suppression.

Why are so many people getting shingles now?

The reason for shingles is unclear. It may be due to lowered immunity to infections as people get older. Shingles is more common in older adults and in people who have weakened immune systems. Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses.

Why are doctors pushing the shingles vaccine?

Doctors are strongly recommending the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) because it's highly effective (>90%) at preventing the painful viral infection, significantly reduces the risk of severe, long-lasting nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), and recent studies suggest added benefits like lowering the risk of dementia, heart disease, and even slowing biological aging in older adults. Given that shingles risk and severity increase with age, the vaccine provides crucial protection against this debilitating illness for people 50 and over.

Why is there an uptick in shingles?

Shingles cases are rising primarily due to an aging population, as the immune system weakens with age, making it harder to keep the dormant chickenpox virus suppressed, but increased stress, certain medical conditions, medications, and potentially reduced exposure to the virus in younger years (due to chickenpox vaccination) also contribute. The CDC notes a gradual increase across all ages, especially in those under 50, with stress and immune-weakening factors playing significant roles in reactivation.
 

Is there an increase in shingles since COVID?

Here's what the research shows so far: A review of studies found that people with COVID illness were twice as likely to develop shingles compared to people who did not get sick with COVID. Another study found that people were more likely to develop shingles if they'd been sick with COVID within the last year.

Here's Why Younger People are Getting Shingles

Why are shingles so popular now?

Modern asphalt shingles are manufactured to resist harsh elements like wind and rain. These qualities make them a go-to choice for contractors across the country. Asphalt roofing continues to lead the market because it delivers long-lasting value, aesthetic appeal, and proven performance.

What is the downside of taking the shingles vaccine?

The most common side effects of a shingles vaccine are headaches and pain, soreness, swelling and itching where the shot was given. On white skin, the area might look red. On Black or brown skin the redness might be harder to see.

Why do over 80s not get the shingles vaccine?

You're eligible up until your 80th birthday (but you can have your 2nd dose up until your 81st birthday). You're eligible for the shingles vaccine if you're aged 18 or over and you're at higher risk from shingles because you have a severely weakened immune system.

Is the shingles vaccine linked to lower risk of dementia?

Recent large studies, particularly using unique "natural experiments" in Wales, show a significant link between getting the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine and a lower risk of developing dementia, with vaccinated individuals showing up to a 20% reduction in dementia diagnoses and a 50% lower risk of vascular dementia, plus reduced risk of heart issues like stroke, suggesting benefits extend beyond preventing the painful rash. While more research is needed, scientists theorize that preventing the neuroinflammation from shingles reactivation may protect the brain, with effects seen across different dementia types and even reducing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia-related deaths, according to findings published in Cell and presented at IDWeek 2025.
 

What is the Chinese treatment for shingles?

Acupuncture and TCM treatment can calm the acute pain of the shingles rash and help it to heal more quickly, while also offsetting the nerve damage that can result from a herpes zoster infection. Shingles most often affects older adults, but it can happen to people of all ages.

Who is least likely to get shingles?

It's rare to get shingles before 40 years of age. Scientists are still studying why this happens. It's likely that your immune system keeps the virus dormant. When the immune system starts to weaken, which may start in your 50s, the virus can wake up.

How to cure shingles in 3 days?

There is no cure for shingles but, starting antiviral medicines within 3 days of the rash appearing can reduce the severity of your symptoms and your risk of complications. Your doctor can prescribe antiviral medicine if you need it. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about whether antivirals are right for you.

Why don't doctors give the shingles vaccine?

Some patients have had a hard time getting it. There's some confusion about whether people who have already had shingles should receive it. And for a vaccine, it's expensive. Shingles occur when latent herpes virus particles "escape" a dorsal root ganglion and travel along sensory nerves to the skin.

Should a 72 year old get the shingles vaccine?

Adults (50 years of age and older)

For adults 50 years of age and older without contraindications who have had a previous episode of HZ, immunization with a 2-dose series of RZV should be offered. Immunization with RZV may be considered at least one year after the episode of HZ.

Is there anyone who shouldn't get the shingles vaccine?

You should not get Shingrix if you: Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of Shingrix. Currently have shingles. Currently are pregnant.

What are the first signs of shingles?

Early signs of shingles often start with pain, tingling, burning, or itching on one side of the body, followed by a red rash with fluid-filled blisters days later, alongside flu-like symptoms like fever, headache, chills, or upset stomach, requiring prompt medical attention for antiviral treatment to prevent complications.
 

What deficiency causes shingles?

Association between serum vitamin D deficiency and the risk of herpes zoster: a longitudinal UK Biobank study. When our immune system does not work well, we are more vulnerable to getting infections, such as chickenpox and shingles. This virus that causes chickenpox causes lifelong infections, and it cannot be removed.

Why doesn't Australia use asphalt shingles?

Unlike in the USA, shingle roofing is not as prevalent in Australia. Several factors contribute to this. Firstly, the climate in Australia tends to be harsher, with higher temperatures and more intense UV radiation. This can cause shingles to deteriorate faster compared to other roofing materials.

How painful are shingles on a scale of 1 to 10?

Shingles pain is often severe, with many patients rating it between a 6 and 10 out of 10, feeling like burning, tingling, or sharp jabs, often triggered by touch. While some experience milder itching, shingles is known for intense pain, sometimes worse at night, and can be one of the most painful conditions, with complications like long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) being common.
 

---