I’m an older adult (50 or older):

Over 90% of adults 50 and/or older already carry the virus that causes shingles. Older adults are at a greater risk of developing shingles than younger adults. The incidence of shingles increases with age. Shingles can affect up to half of those who live to 80 years of age.3-4

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I am immunocompromised:

People who have a weakened immune system are at higher risk of developing shingles and are more likely to have a more severe case.3,5

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I’ve had chickenpox:

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles: More than 90% of individuals aged ≥50 years old carry the virus that causes shingles. Those who had chickenpox in their first year of life are at even greater risk.1-3 (based on US and European studies)

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TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR TODAY

If you answer yes to one of the above, you may be at risk for shingles.

If you have not had chickenpox and you come into close contact with a person who has shingles (e.g. touch an open blister) then you may also be at risk of contracting chickenpox.3

Speak to your doctor for more information.

 

 

 

References

  1. Brisson M. Epidemiology and infection, May 2001. Volume 127, pages 305 – 314. Accessed July 2022.
  2. Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus) information_Mount Sinai, July 2022.
  3. Mayo Clonic, Shingles Symptoms and Causes, January 2019.
  4. Bollaerts, et. al. Epidemiology and Infection, October 2017.
  5. Healthline. Understanding What Causes Shingles to Activate, July 2021.
  6. Kilgore PE;Journal of medical virology;2003;70;S111-8, (KC) (v1.0).