Why Are Shingles Cases Increasing? Symptoms, Causes and How to Support Recovery…

Shingles is becoming increasingly common, with more people experiencing painful outbreaks at younger ages than ever before. If you’ve been asking why shingles cases are increasing or what causes shingles to flare up, you’re not alone.

Understanding what shingles is, recognising the early symptoms, and knowing when to seek treatment can make a significant difference to recovery. Alongside medical care, complementary and alternative therapies can also play a supportive role in helping the body heal.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). Once you’ve had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in your nervous system. Years or even decades later, it can reactivate as shingles.

Common shingles symptoms include burning, tingling or stabbing pain in one area of the body, sensitivity to touch, fatigue and feeling generally unwell, headaches or mild fever, and a painful rash that develops into fluid-filled blisters. The shingles rash usually appears on one side of the body, commonly on the torso, back, chest, or face.

Why Are We Seeing an Increase in Shingles?

There are several key reasons why shingles appears to be on the rise…

• Chronic stress and shingles are closely linked. Ongoing stress has a direct impact on the immune system. Prolonged emotional or physical stress weakens immune defences, making it easier for dormant viruses like shingles to reactivate.
• Weakened immune systems are another factor. Shingles is more likely to occur when immunity is lowered. This can happen due to poor sleep, nutritional deficiencies, long-term health conditions, recovery from illness, burnout and exhaustion. Even temporary immune suppression can be enough to trigger shingles.
• Age and shingles risk also play a role. While shingles can affect anyone who has had chickenpox, the risk increases with age. As we get older, our immune response naturally declines, making it harder to keep the virus inactive.
• Delayed recovery after illness or stressful life events is commonly reported. Many people develop shingles after a particularly demanding period, suggesting the body may struggle to fully recover, leaving it vulnerable to viral reactivation.

What Should You Do If You Suspect You Have Shingles?

Early treatment is essential. If you suspect shingles, you should contact your GP or healthcare provider immediately. Antiviral medication is most effective when started as early as possible, ideally within 72 hours of the rash appearing.

It is important to rest and prioritise immune support, avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns and immunocompromised individuals, and keep the rash clean and dry to reduce the risk of infection.

Prompt shingles treatment can reduce pain, speed healing, and lower the risk of long-term nerve pain, known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Can Alternative Therapies Help with Shingles?

While shingles requires medical treatment, complementary and alternative therapies can support recovery and overall wellbeing, particularly during and after the acute phase.

Stress management is a key factor in shingles recovery. Therapies such as reflexology, gentle massage and relaxation-focused treatments can help calm the nervous system and support immune balance.

Once the active rash has healed and with medical approval, hands-on therapies may help reduce muscular tension, improve circulation and ease residual discomfort.

Holistic therapies focus on the whole person, not just symptoms. Supporting better sleep, relaxation and stress resilience may help reduce the likelihood of shingles recurrence.

Hands-on therapies should never be carried out over an active shingles rash. Always inform your therapist if you have shingles or are recovering from it.

Preventing Shingles Through Lifestyle and Self-Care…

While shingles cannot always be prevented, supporting your immune system can reduce risk. This includes managing stress levels, prioritising sleep and rest, maintaining a balanced diet and listening to your body’s signals.

Shingles is often a sign that the body needs time to slow down and recover.

Final Thoughts…

The rise in shingles cases highlights the importance of immune health, stress management and early intervention. Medical treatment is essential, but complementary therapies can provide valuable support during recovery and help restore balance within the body.

If you are feeling run down, overwhelmed or struggling to switch off, holistic therapies may help support your overall wellbeing and resilience.