Though uncommon, you can get shingles multiple times. Some factors, such as age and immune system health, may play a role.

Developing shingles a second time is known as shingles recurrence.

The first symptom of shingles is usually pain, tingling, or a burning sensation in the outbreak area. Within days, a grouping of fluid-filled blisters may break open and then crusts form. Other symptoms include:

  • itching in the outbreak area
  • skin sensitivity in the outbreak area
  • fatigue and other flu-like symptoms
  • sensitivity to light
  • chills

Recurring shingles has the same symptoms, and often the outbreak occurs in the same place.

Most people get shingles only once.

But about 1.2–9.6% of people with shingles may develop another shingles infection, or recurrence, according to a 2024 review of research.

Recurrence is more likely in people who have a weakened immune system. The same review notes that up to 18% of people with weakened immune systems may get shingles more than once.

Research from 2021 notes that the average time between the first shingles infection and the recurrent infection was 2 years for adults ages 45-54 and 3 years for adults 55 and older.

Some factors can increase your risk of developing shingles more than once. This can include having:

  • a compromised immune system
  • one or more blood relatives with shingles
  • one or more health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease
  • long lasting pain following your previous shingles infection
  • had shingles in the eye during your previous infection

You may have a compromised immune system if you:

  • are receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • have had an organ transplant
  • have HIV or AIDS
  • have an autoimmune disease
  • are taking high doses of corticosteroids like prednisone
  • have a health condition that affects your immune system, like leukemia or lymphoma

Older age and being female were also associated with an increased risk of shingles reactivation.

The treatment for recurring shingles is the same as for shingles.

If you suspect you have recurring shingles, talk with a doctor as soon as possible. They can prescribe antiviral medications that may reduce the severity and length of your shingles infection. This can also reduce your risk of complications. Antiviral medications can include:

  • acyclovir (Zovirax)
  • valacyclovir (Valtrex)
  • famciclovir (Famvir)

A doctor may also recommend medications to lessen your pain and help you sleep. These may include:

  • skin patches with lidocaine or 8% capsaicin
  • antiseizure drugs
  • antidepressants
  • pain relievers

You can also take cool baths with colloidal oatmeal to ease the itching or apply cold compresses to the affected area. Rest and stress reduction may also help support your recovery.

Learn more about home remedies for shingles pain and itching.

Shingles usually clears up within 3–5 weeks.

In some cases, pain can remain once the rash has healed. This is called postherpetic neuralgia. The risk increases with age.

Learn more about postherpetic neuralgia.

Recurring shingles cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk by getting the Shingrix shingles vaccine, even after you’ve had shingles.

The shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles. Shingrix is 68–91% effective at preventing shingles for people with weakened immune systems, depending on their health condition.

Getting the shingles vaccine also reduces your risk of complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

What causes frequent shingles outbreaks?

A reactivation of the herpes zoster virus in your body causes shingles. Older age and having a weakened immune system, whether due to a health condition, medication, illness, or stress, can increase the risk of developing shingles and having it recur.

How do you stop recurring shingles?

Getting the Shingrix shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of shingles, even in people who have already had shingles.

How many times can a person get shingles?

Most people develop shingles only once, but it is possible to have shingles more than once. This may be more likely if you have a weakened immune system.

Can shingles mean something more serious?

Shingles and recurring shingles are more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems. If you are concerned you may have a health condition that is increasing your risk of developing shingles, speak with a doctor. They can test you for health conditions that affect your body’s ability to fight infection.

Though uncommon, it is possible to develop shingles more than once. Having a weakened immune system could increase your risk.

Getting the Shingrix shingles vaccine can reduce your risk of shingles, even if you have already had shingles.