Shingles at 19??? - Shingles Message Board

andyc1986 · 08-05-2005, 08:09 PM

Monday (four days ago) I noticed a small rash with blisters characteristic of mild shingles. I discounted it as an allergic reaction until yesterday when I researched the blisters and went to my Student Health Center on campus where the nurse practitioner diagnosed the rash as shingles and perscribed acyclovir.

When I researched shingles I became alarmed to learn that it is most common in people over 60 and with patients with immunodeficiencies, such as HIV. **I am only 19 years old,** so it seemed as though my case was unusual (although the nurse said that I was the second student case of shingles she saw that day.)

Recently (mid-July, it is now August 5th) I suffered a major sunburn on my trunk area. It was my first sunburn ever and it was pretty severe. Also, since last Thursday I have been under a LOT of stress, dealing primarily with a relationship break up, during which I was sleep deprived, averaging 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night, and didn't eat much, eating only a few bites a day. This was because of stress. I also know that sunburn and stress can be linked to a herpes-zoster outbreak.

But the fact that shingles is most common in the elderly and in those with compromised immune systems alarms me. I had unprotected sex with back in February, only with someone who told me she was not infected with HIV. Other than shingles, I have had no symptoms that would suggest HIV infection. This has also been my only shingles outbreak.

Considering the sunburn and emotional stress I have been through immediately before my outbreak, does it sound like I have anything to be REALLY worried about?

andyc1986 · 08-05-2005, 08:16 PM

Monday (four days ago) I noticed a small rash with blisters characteristic of mild shingles. I discounted it as an allergic reaction until yesterday when I researched the blisters and went to my Student Health Center on campus where the nurse practitioner diagnosed the rash as shingles and perscribed acyclovir.

When I researched shingles I became alarmed to learn that it is most common in people over 60 and with patients with immunodeficiencies, such as HIV. **I am only 19 years old,** so it seemed as though my case was unusual (although the nurse said that I was the second student case of shingles she saw that day.)

Recently (mid-July, it is now August 5th) I suffered a major sunburn on my trunk area. It was my first sunburn ever and it was pretty severe. Also, since last Thursday I have been under a LOT of stress, dealing primarily with a relationship break up, during which I was sleep deprived, averaging 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night, and didn't eat much, eating only a few bites a day. This was because of stress. I also know that sunburn and stress can be linked to a herpes-zoster outbreak.

But the fact that shingles is most common in the elderly and in those with compromised immune systems alarms me. I had unprotected sex with back in February, only with someone who told me she was not infected with HIV. Other than shingles, I have had no symptoms that would suggest HIV infection. This has also been my only shingles outbreak.

Considering the sunburn and emotional stress I have been through immediately before my outbreak, does it sound like I have anything to be REALLY worried about?

rubindj · 08-05-2005, 08:23 PM

If you would feel better, I would suggest you go back and get an STD workup.

That being said, although shingles is most common in ppl over 60, it is still common in younger people. It seems to be aggravated by significant sun exposure -- espicially burns, and the additional stress, as well as a poor diet at school, can further erode your immune system. Like your NP, it doesn't sound like you have much to worry about.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to have an STD workup given your history of unprotected sex, even if you have no symptomology. There are many STD's other than HIV, and many don't have obvious symptom's in men, but can be a terrible problem for women. As a guy, I recommend you stay away from unprotected sex unless your in a longer term relationship. There's just too much to worry about otherwise (pregnancy, etc).

WorriedTeenager · 08-06-2005, 12:17 AM

You shouldn't be worried at all. I had shingles when I was 15! Its not all that common but its not as rare as you are making it out as.

shugarush · 08-08-2005, 12:35 PM

Anyone who has had the chickenpox can get shingles later on in life. Shingles is not a sign of a new infection, it is just a resurgence of the same virus (herpes zoster) that gave you chickenpox as a child. See, it never left your body. It's as if it just goes to sleep in your system, and it "wakes up" when your immune system is compromised, very common in high stress periods.

I don't think you really have anything to be worried about.