A member asked:
I have never had chickenpox, but just had an outbreak of shingles. how can i prevent future shingles outbreaks? i am a young adult and recently had an outbreak of shingles. the doctor said i either got it from someone or i had an outbreak due to stress. i
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Dennis Rochieranswered
Internal Medicine 42 years experience
The : The vaccine for shingles is only fda approved for adults over the age of 60. There is nothing you can do otherwise to prevent getting shingles.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. James Fergusonanswered
Pediatrics 47 years experience
You had chickenpox: Your shingles was evidence you has chickenpox in the past, or had the vaccine (avail from the 90's) . You don't get shingles from someone else. It is a reactivation of your prior chickenpox. Having shingles should boost you immunity to the germ and force it back into hibernation for years. When you get older you can get the shingles vaccine, but there would be no benefit to you at this point.
445 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 17, 2017
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