A growing number of millennials are contracting shingles, a painful viral infection historically associated with older populations, according to medical research and patient accounts.
Data from a US research paper showed that cases among individuals aged 30 to 49 more than doubled between 1998 and 2017.
Although older cohorts experience more cases overall, the sharpest rise occurred in this younger demographic.
Francine Jones, a 39-year-old healthcare assistant from Hereford, experienced severe symptoms starting in May.
Her condition began with a pricking sensation before progressing to severe blistering and burning pain across her torso.
"It was a really sharp, intense pain, as if someone was giving me an electric shock … it took my breath away," Jones said, describing the stabbing sensations that occurred every ten minutes.
Following diagnosis by a pharmacist, Jones was prescribed seven days of antiviral medication and nerve pain treatment.
The infection forced her to take two months off work while managing ongoing aches.
"It was like something was crawling all over me all the time," Jones said, describing the intense itching stage that disrupted her sleep.
Jones noted that her perception of the disease differed significantly from her experience. "I always thought it was old people who got shingles," she said.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that individuals aged 30 to 39 with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, depression, and stress faced higher shingles risks than immunocompetent adults aged 50 to 59.
Across most age groups, women face a 56 percent higher chance of developing shingles due to differences in immune system functioning.
In online support groups, numerous young women shared their experiences with recurring or severe cases. "I've had shingles eight times in the last two years.
I'm 38 years old," said one woman on a Facebook support group.
Another member recounted her initial struggle: "I had shingles in April for the first time at 36." Several other participants detailed similar timelines.
"I got it last year at 32," said a member.
Another patient noted a prolonged recovery: "I had it at 41 this time last year but I've only just finished recovering."
Other patients emphasized the severe physical discomfort. "I'm 44, got shingles last year and it was horrific, the pain!"
said another patient.
Shingles occurs when the dormant varicella zoster virus reactivates due to impaired immunity.
While UK health authorities offer vaccinations to individuals over 65 and the US provides them to those over 50, routine vaccination is not currently offered to younger age groups.
