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My teenage grandson has shingles.

(52 Posts)
keepingquiet Thu 22-Jan-26 23:12:53

Shingles is a close relative of the varicella (chickenpox) virus and belongs to the herpes group of viruses.

Shingles lies dormant in the nervous system of most people following a chickenpox infection.

At some point in the future it can be triggered and produces the severe symptons you describe.

I had a friend at school who got shingles at the age of 14 so it isn't that unusual. She was off school for weeks.

Grandma70s Thu 22-Jan-26 23:07:22

My grandson is 16, almost 17. He has shingles. I didn’t realise someone so young could get it, but apparently he is not alone. It’s been horrible. He was ill for three weeks - vomiting, headache, exhaustion - before the rash appeared, and we are told țhat isn’t unusual. Nobody could make out what was wrong with him, so when the rash appeared, nasty as it is, it was almost a relief because it made a diagnosis possible. He is still very unwell and miserable. He has been prescribed antivirals so we hope that will help.

Has anyone else experience of shingles in one so young?