No. While shingles most commonly affects people over older people, it can occur at any age in people who have had chickenpox. In particular, it can develop in those who have a weakened immune system. Older patients who get shingles are more likely to develop a complication called post herpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that can last long after the shingles rash has disappeared.
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 3 adults who contract chickenpox will develop shingles at some point in their lifetime. If you have a weakened immune system, your risk of getting shingles or having a more severe form of the disease is much higher.
1. Australian Government Department of Health. Shingles (herpes zoster). Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/shingles-herpes-zoster (accessed 08 December 2021).
5. National institute on aging. Shingles. Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/shingles (accessed 08 December 2021).
MAT-AU-2102487 Date of preparation January 2022
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