Who is most at risk of getting shingles?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Shingles most commonly affects older adults (typically those over 50) and people with weakened immune systems, as declining immunity allows the dormant varicella-zoster virus to reactivate. Additional risk factors include chronic stress, certain medications like steroids, and underlying conditions such as cancer, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.

If you're noticing unusual skin changes, nerve pain, or a burning rash, don't guess—get clarity in minutes. Understanding your symptoms early is critical, because shingles treatment works best when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to identify possible causes and know exactly what steps to take next.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if shingles is causing your symptoms Discover likely causes of shingles-like pain See if your rash needs care today Find OTC relief for shingles discomfort Find a doctor for shingles treatment Discover home remedies for shingles symptoms Understand if this could be shingles

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Explanation

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Some people are more likely to get shingles than others.

Who is at risk?

Older Adults: Most people who get shingles are over 50 years old. As you age, your immune system gets weaker, making it easier for the virus to become active again.
Weakened Immune System: Conditions that weaken the immune system, like cancer or HIV, increase the risk of shingles. People taking medicines that suppress the immune system are also at higher risk.
Other Health Conditions: Some studies suggest that people with certain health conditions, like asthma, might also be at a higher risk.

Understanding these risk factors can help in taking preventive measures, like getting the shingles vaccine. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your risk, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand what might be happening and determine if you should talk to a healthcare provider.

(References)

Safonova E, Yawn BP, Welte T, & Wang C. (2023). Risk factors for herpes zoster: should people with asthma .... Respiratory research, 36709298.
Kawai K, & Yawn BP. (2017). Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster: A Systematic Review and .... Mayo Clinic proceedings, 29202939.
Marra F, Parhar K, Huang B, & Vadlamudi N. (2020). Risk Factors for Herpes Zoster Infection: A Meta-Analysis. Open forum infectious diseases, 32010734.

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