Shingles cases rising among millennial women, single-source report finds
6 reported
A single-source report from The Guardian describes a trend of increasing shingles cases among millennial women, based on a 2019 US research paper that found cases in those aged 30 to 49 more than doubled between 1998 and 2017. The article profiles Francine Jones, a 39-year-old healthcare assistant from Hereford, who experienced severe pain, blisters, and itching from shingles. Experts cited in the article, including associate professor Jennifer Moffat, suggest possible causes include stress, depression, declining general health, and lifestyle pressures. The article notes that women across most age groups have a 56% higher chance of developing shingles. It also reports that a 2026 study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found those aged 30 to 39 with conditions like asthma, diabetes, depression, and stress had a higher risk than immunocompetent people aged 50 to 59. The article is based on a single source and has not been cross-referenced.
What’s reported
A 2019 US research paper reported shingles cases among those aged 30 to 49 more than doubled between 1998 and 2017.
Francine Jones, 39, experienced shingles symptoms including stabbing pain, blisters, and intense itching.
Women across most age groups have a 56% higher chance of developing shingles than men.
A 2026 study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found those aged 30 to 39 with asthma, diabetes, depression, and stress had a higher risk than immunocompetent people aged 50 to 59.
Experts cited include Jennifer Moffat, associate professor at State University of New York Upstate Medical University, and consultant dermatologist Dr. Adil Sheraz.
The article is from a single source and has not been cross-referenced.
Key figures
Francine Jones, 39-year-old healthcare assistant from Hereford
Jennifer Moffat, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at State University of New York Upstate Medical University
Dr. Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist
Daisy, 51, who had three shingles flare-ups
Sources: The Guardian
