Ali Thompson Reveals She Has Shingles at Age 36 and Shares Her Symptoms

If you happened to catch Ali Thompson’s Instagram in late July, you may have noticed her concealing her left eye. On July 29, she opened up about her condition, announcing her shingles diagnosis with the words, “Well—I have shingles—at 36 years old.“

The use of “well” reflects how shocking this diagnosis can be, especially when shingles is often associated with older adults. At 29, I shared similar feelings of disbelief and embarrassment when faced with shingles, a condition generally thought to affect those over 50.

However, Ali’s experience resonated with many young adults who reached out to her, revealing that shingles can indeed affect a younger demographic. Recognizing the importance of early detection, she chose to share her journey to raise awareness and possibly lessen the severity of the illness for others.

Understanding Shingles

Shingles is caused by the same virus that leads to chicken pox, lying dormant in the body until it reactivates. The condition usually manifests as a painful red rash on one side of the body, often appearing on the face, stomach, chest, or back. Accompanying symptoms can include fever, fatigue, and a general sense of unwellness. The hallmark of shingles is its intense pain, which Ali described as feeling like “electricity underneath my skin.“

In a follow-up post, she elaborated on her experience, stating, “It’s pure agony… with mine being on my face and scalp it’s just shooting pain through my brain.“

The Role of Stress

There seems to be a rising trend of shingles cases among younger individuals. A 2016 study in Clinical Infectious Diseases highlighted that the incidence of shingles has been increasing across all age groups for over 60 years, with a notable increase among those under 50. Stress may play a significant role in this rise, according to Dr. James Morgan, an infectious disease expert. He noted that healthy young adults can develop shingles, often linked to stress factors.

Ali revealed that her initial reluctance to share her diagnosis stemmed from a desire to avoid the added stress of public scrutiny while focusing on her recovery. “In fact, stress is likely the reason I got shingles,” she noted.

The Importance of Seeking Treatment

A common myth is that shingles will resolve on its own, but this is misleading. Dr. Anne Louise Oakley, director of the Nerve Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasizes the need for immediate medical attention if a shingles rash appears, particularly in older adults. Early intervention with antiviral medication can alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications, such as long-term pain known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Ali acted quickly when she sensed something was wrong, allowing her doctor to initiate treatment before the rash fully developed. She expressed gratitude for her timely diagnosis, stating, “I am sooo grateful that she diagnosed me early and got me on the proper medication.“

Vaccination Information

The CDC recommends that individuals over 60 receive the shingles vaccine, regardless of previous chicken pox infection. Dr. Oakley confirms that the vaccine reduces the risk of shingles by approximately 50% and minimizes the likelihood of serious complications.

By sharing her story, Ali aims to help others understand that shingles can affect younger individuals too. She encourages people to share their experiences to foster awareness and support within the community.

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In summary, Ali Thompson’s experience with shingles at 36 highlights the condition’s potential to impact younger individuals and underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. By sharing her story, she aims to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help promptly.