In an April 28 social media post, a British singer in his 30s shared that he is recovering from shingles, prompting discussion about the disease and the vaccine to prevent it. Many commenters share their experience with shingles, describing it as something they “wouldn’t wish on their worst enemy.” Several posts encouraged vaccination, while others noted that the vaccine is generally recommended for individuals who are immunocompromised or over age 50. A few people falsely claimed, without evidence, that multiple COVID-19 infections weakened the singer’s immune system and caused the shingles.
Recommendation
A public figure sharing their experience with shingles may provide opportunities to explain what shingles is, who is at risk, and how to prevent it. Health communicators may explain that shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and can remain inactive in the body for decades after initial infection. Explaining that shingles can be triggered by a weakened immune system due to aging, stress, certain medications, or chronic illnesses is recommended, as is noting that older adults and immunocompromised people are at highest risk. Communicators may emphasize that people ages 50 and older and adults with weakened immune systems should get two doses of the shingles vaccine, which is more than 90 percent effective and associated with a reduced risk of heart attack, stroke, and dementia.
Fact-checking sources: Health in Aging Foundation, National Council on Aging
Communication resources: Discover tools for communicating about chickenpox and shingles
