AM I AT RISK FOR SHINGLES?
Up to 1 in 3 people risk developing
shingles in their lifetime.1
I've Had Chickenpox:
Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles: up to 1 in 3 people risk developing shingles in their lifetime. Those who had chickenpox in their first year of life are at even greater risk.1-3
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
I am lmmunocompromised:
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
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 before 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 contacting chickenpox.3
Speak to your doctor for more information.
References
1. Brisson M; Epidemiology and infection, May 2001. Volume 127, pages 305-314, Accessed January 2024.
2. Shingles and chickenpox (Varicella-zoster virus) Information_ Mount Sinai, July 2022. Available at https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/report/shingles-and-chickenpox-varicella-zoster-virus, Accessed January 2024.
3. Mayo Clinic. Shingles Symptoms and Causes, January 2019. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054?p=1, Accessed January 2024.
4. Bollaerts, et. al. Epidemiology and Infection, October 2017. Available at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5647669/, Accessed January 2024.
5. Healthline. Understanding What Causes Shingles to Activate, July 2021. Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/what-causes-shingles-to-activate#shingles-defined, Accessed January 2024.