Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a common viral condition caused by the same virus that leads to chickenpox—the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After you recover from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t leave your body. Instead, it lies dormant in your nerve tissues and may reactivate years later, resulting in shingles.

The infection is often characterized by pain, itching, or tingling in a localized area of the skin, followed by a blistering rash—usually on one side of the face or body. Some people also experience fever, fatigue, chills, or stomach upset.

While shingles can’t always be avoided entirely, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and protect against complications.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

 

Anyone who has had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine can develop shingles. In the United States, most people born before 1980 have likely had chickenpox—even if they don’t remember it.

Shingles can occur at any age, but it becomes increasingly common after age 50. In fact, about 1 in 3 people in the U.S. will develop shingles at some point in their life, and the risk rises with age. Nearly half of those over 80 will have had shingles.

The reason? As we age, the immune system weakens—particularly the T cells responsible for keeping the varicella-zoster virus in check. A reduced immune response allows the virus to reactivate more easily.

You may also be at higher risk if:

  • You have a weakened immune system due to conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV
     
  • You’re taking immunosuppressive medications such as steroids or post-transplant drugs
     
  • You’ve recently undergone cancer treatment (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation)
     
  • You’ve experienced significant physical trauma or chronic stress
     

Can Genetics Play a Role?

There’s some evidence that having a close relative—such as a parent or sibling—who has had shingles may increase your own risk slightly. However, since shingles is so common among older adults, it’s unclear how much of this is due to genetics versus age or other factors.

Additionally, certain demographic factors may play a role:

  • People of non-Hispanic White ancestry appear more likely to get shingles than people of African-American ancestry
     
  • Those assigned female at birth tend to be affected more frequently than those assigned male at birth
     

How To Lower Your Risk

The most effective way to prevent shingles and its potential complications is through vaccination. Two main vaccines are used in the U.S.:

Chickenpox Vaccine (Varivax)

Introduced in 1995, this vaccine has helped reduce the number of chickenpox cases. While it doesn’t eliminate the risk of shingles, it helps control the initial infection.

Shingles Vaccine (Shingrix)

Shingrix is the preferred vaccine to prevent shingles and is highly effective. It’s a recombinant vaccine recommended for:

  • Adults aged 50 and older
  • Adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems

Shingrix is given in two doses, spaced two to six months apart. It provides over 90% protection in healthy adults between 50 and 69 years old, and around 91% protection for those over 70. For immunocompromised adults, effectiveness ranges between 68% and 91%, depending on their condition.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

You should consider getting the shingles vaccine if:

  • You’ve had chickenpox, shingles, or the chickenpox vaccine
  • You previously received the older Zostavax vaccine (now discontinued)
  • You’re over 50 years old or have a weakened immune system

You should delay or avoid vaccination if:

  • You’re currently experiencing shingles
  • You’re ill or have a fever
  • You had an allergic reaction to a previous shingles vaccine
  • You’re pregnant

Check with your health insurance provider about coverage—Shingrix is covered under Medicare Part D and by many private insurance plans.

Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

If you notice symptoms like pain, tingling, or a blistering rash, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Antiviral medications are most effective when started within 72 hours of rash onset and can help reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of illness.

Remember: while shingles can’t be spread from person to person, the varicella-zoster virus can be passed to someone who has never had chickenpox—causing them to develop chickenpox, not shingles. That’s why it’s important to cover any active blisters and avoid contact with at-risk individuals, such as infants, pregnant people, and the immunocompromised.

Seeking treatment quickly may prevent long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a form of nerve pain that can linger for months after the rash has healed.

Summary

Shingles is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus and commonly affects older adults or individuals with weakened immune systems. It typically results in a painful rash and can lead to long-term nerve pain if left untreated.

The best way to protect yourself is by getting vaccinated. The Shingrix vaccine is safe, effective, and widely recommended. If you’re over 50 or have health conditions that affect your immune system, talk to your healthcare provider about whether shingles vaccination is right for you.