WHO IS AT RISK FOR SHINGLES?

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).1 It is characterised by a band of blistering, painful rash on the body that typically lasts 2–4 weeks.2 Although most individuals recover fully from shingles with treatment, some experience complications that can last for months or even years, with the most common complication being persistent nerve pain at the affected site (called postherpetic neuralgia, PHN).1,2

Any individual who has had chickenpox or been exposed to the chickenpox virus can get shingles.1

who-is-at-risk-did-you-know

What increases your risk of shingles?

AGE: The most important risk factor for shingles is ageing. Shingles most commonly affects individuals 50 years and older.1

Why does age matter?

As we age, our immune system weakens.1 This natural process is called age-related decline in immunity.5 This can allow the usually inactive chickenpox virus to reactivate, causing shingles.1 In fact, both the risk of shingles and the risk of complications of shingles (e.g., PHN) increases with age.4 This is why people aged ≥50 years old are encouraged to discuss prevention of shingles with their doctor.1

Timeline illustrating how age-related decline in immunity increases the risk of shingles6

Article-2-INFOG1-4

CHRONIC DISEASES: Diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic lung disease and chronic kidney disease can negatively impact the immune system. This means that individuals living with these conditions are at an added risk of developing shingles, on top of the risk associated with age.1,7

STRESS: Individuals who have recently experienced physical trauma or who are under high levels of emotional or psychological stress are at higher risk of developing shingles.1,8,9

OTHER INFECTIONS: Co-existing infections (e.g., HIV) or recent recovery from infections (e.g., COVID-19) increase the risk of developing shingles.1,7,10

FAMILY HISTORY: Individuals with a family history of shingles (first-degree relatives) are at higher risk of developing shingles.7

WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM: Individuals with compromised immunity due to known disease or medications that suppress the immune system, such as anti-cancer drugs or high-dose steroids, are at higher risk of developing shingles.1,7,11

Try the Shingles Risk Test to determine your risk and speak to your doctor about shingles prevention.

PAS-new
  1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster). Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles symptoms and complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
  3. Kilgore, P.E., et al. (2003). Varicella in Americans from NHANES III: Implications for control through routine immunization. Journal of Medical Virology, 70(Suppl 1), S111–118.
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Shingles facts and stats. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/data-research/index.html. Accessed 17 September 2025.
  5. Weyand, C. M. & Goronzy, J. J. (2016) Aging of the immune system: Mechanisms and therapeutic Targets. Annals of the American Thoracic Society, 13(Suppl 5), S422–S428.
  6. Hirokawa, K. & Utsuyama, M. (2019). Assessment of age-related decline of immunological function and possible methods for immunological restoration in elderly. Handbook of Immunosenescence, 19, 2767–2793.
  7. Steinmann, M., et al. (2024). Risk factors for herpes zoster infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis unveiling common trends and heterogeneity patterns. Infection, 52, 1009–1026.
  8. Thomas, S. L., et al. (2004). Case-control study of the effect of mechanical trauma on the risk of herpes zoster. British Medical Journal, 328(7437), 439.
  9. Schmidt, S. A. J., et al. (2021). Perceived psychological stress and risk of herpes zoster: A nationwide population‐based cohort study. British Journal of Dermatology, 185, 130–138.
  10. Bhavsar, A., et al. (2022). Increased risk of herpes zoster in adults ≥50 years old diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 9(5):ofac118.
  11. Chawki, S., et al. (2022). Incidence of complications of herpes zoster in individuals on immunosuppressive therapy: A register-based population study. Journal of Infection, 84, 531–536.
  12. GSK is not responsible for third-party website content.