Shingles Cases Surge Among Women in Their 30s and 40s, July 28

Shingles, a painful viral infection traditionally associated with older age, is increasingly striking women in their 30s and 40s across the UK. Between 1998 and 2017, cases in the 30 to 49 age group more than doubled, outpacing the rise in older populations. Dermatologists say stress, hormonal differences, and autoimmune conditions may explain why younger women now face higher risk than expected.

Why younger women are getting shingles

Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve tissue. When immunity weakens, it reactivates as shingles. Dr Adil Sheraz, a consultant dermatologist at the British Association of Dermatologists, told The Sun that women have subtle immune system differences and higher rates of autoimmune conditions than men. Hormones such as oestrogen influence immune function, and many autoimmune treatments suppress the body’s ability to keep the virus dormant.

Stress and lifestyle as triggers

Stress is emerging as a key factor. Professor Fatheem Latheef, also a consultant dermatologist at the British Association of Dermatologists, noted that women face increasing pressure balancing work and family life. Dermatologists have warned that they are seeing a rise in cases specifically among women in their 30s and 40s, which some have blamed on stress. Andrea McLean, former Loose Women presenter, described her own experience: “I know it has come from suppressing stress and holding everything in.” She has had three bouts of shingles-like illness and attributed the episodes to emotional suppression.

The painful reality for patients

Shingles causes intense, unpredictable pain. Francine Jones, a 39-year-old healthcare assistant from Hereford, experienced stabbing sensations every 10 minutes, describing it as “like someone was giving me an electric shock.” Ten large blisters formed in a band from her stomach to her back, burning as if an iron were pressed against her skin. The itching lasted five weeks and was so severe she slept only four hours per night. One night, the chest pain was so intense she feared a heart attack.

Current vaccine eligibility and NHS policy

In the UK, only adults aged 65 and above are currently eligible for the shingles vaccine on the NHS. Roughly 50,000 Britons develop shingles every year, with the majority of cases among older adults whose immune systems are naturally less effective. The rise in younger cases has prompted debate about whether vaccine eligibility should expand, though no policy change has been announced. Celebrities including Holly Willoughby, Dr Emily Andre, and Andrea McLean have publicly discussed their shingles diagnoses in recent years, raising awareness of the condition among younger populations.

Final Thoughts

The surge in shingles among younger women signals a shift in disease patterns that challenges traditional assumptions about age and immunity. With stress, hormones, and autoimmune conditions emerging as contributing factors, women in their 30s and 40s should monitor for early symptoms such as burning pain or blistering rashes and seek prompt medical care.

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