Shingles in someone in their thirties?!?

My best friend just told me she was diagnosed w/ shingles. She's been over to my house a lot recently and I've never had chickenpox. She told me that she was told several things that don't make much sense to me. Her doctor said: shingles was cause by the measles vaccine, that it wasn't contagious, and that most people get shingles right around her age! She swears that this is what her doctor said (she's also a vet tech so I'd be shocked if she misunderstood what disease he said). I always thought it was a reimmergence of the chicken pox virus and that while Shingles wasn't contagious, that they could give other people chicken pox. Also, I thought that most people get it when they're older. Is there some other rash that IS caused by the measles vaccine that the doctor might've meant? Am I incorrect about this?

I've called my doctor and he agrees w/ you all. It's from the chicken pox vaccine. He said it would be highly unlikely for me to get chicken pox from her unless I touched her blisters (which of course I haven't/wouldn't). Thanks for the help.

You are correct. The doctor was probably throwing alot of info at her at once and she misunderstood.
You can get shingles at any age, we have seen people in their early 20's, as long as you have had chicken pox, you can get shingles (herpes zoster). It is not HIGHLY contagious, you have to have skin to skin contact with the area so as long as your not touching her blisters, you will be ok.

I am 37 and have had problems with shingle since I was 24. I have had many emerges of it, some being bad and some not so bad. All the doctors say the same as you have said and well, it is painful. It will keep you in bed for sure. Hope you learn more and I hope you don't ever experience it. Report It

You should call your doctors office and speak with a nurse about this.

Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes the chicken pox. The virus lies dormant in your system, and then in times of stress can express itself as shingles. It can show up in anyone who has ever had chicken pox, but usually shows up in the elderly. If you have never had the chicken pox, you can catch the chicken pox from someone who has the shingles.

Its not measles its from chicken pox virus. Its highly contagious if you have had any physical contact with her. You can get shingles at any time of life usually over 50 however,. any adult with a weakened immune system can pick it up, more information at:
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/...

What is shingles?
Shingles is a localized infection due to the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It occurs only in people who have had chickenpox in the past and represents a reactivation of the dormant varicella virus. Why the virus reactivates in some individuals and not in others is unknown.

Who gets shingles?
The disease is primarily seen in the elderly, but occasionally occurs in younger individuals. It affects both sexes and all races with equal frequency and occurs sporadically throughout the year.

How is shingles spread?
A person must have already had chickenpox in the past to develop shingles. Contact with an infected individual does not cause another person's dormant virus to reactivate. However, the virus from a shingles patient may cause chickenpox in someone who has not had it before.

What are the symptoms of shingles?
The first sign is often a tingling feeling on the skin, itchiness or a stabbing pain. After several days, a rash appears beginning as a band or patch of raised dots on the side of the trunk or face. It then develops into small, fluid-filled blisters which begin to dry out and crust over within a few days. When the rash is at its peak, symptoms can range from mild itching to extreme and intense pain. The rash and pain usually disappear within three to five weeks.