SHINGLES
For US Healthcare Professionals
Sarah’s Sleep.
UNRAVELED BY SHINGLES.
During an episode, the pain caused by shingles could impact your patients more than you realize.1
Patient portrayal.
Every year, an estimated 1 million Americans will get shingles2
Age is one of the most important risk factors for shingles. The risk of developing shingles sharply increases starting at 50 years of age.3
99.5% of people ≥50 years are latently infected with the varicella zoster virus.3,4
In 1 out of 3 people, the dormant virus will reactivate in their lifetime and cause shingles.3
Patients 50 years and older may have additional risk factors.
Certain comorbidities have been associated with increased risk of shingles. These include5
CKD=chronic kidney disease; COPD=chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Shingles typically presents as a painful rash, most commonly on the trunk or face.6
The rash generally lasts 7 to 10 days, with complete healing in 2 to 4 weeks7
The pain of shingles can vary, but has been described as an aching, burning, stabbing, or shocklike sensation3
Herpes zoster that affects the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve is called herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO). This occurs in 10% to 25% of shingles cases and can result in ocular complications.3,6
In some cases, shingles can lead to serious or long-lasting complications3
Explore the potential complications of shingles
The pain during a shingles episode can impact your patients in multiple ways.1
- Sleep
- General activity
- Mood
- Enjoyment of life
- Normal work
- Relations with others
- Walking ability
Patient portrayal.
“It by far is the most painful thing I’ve ever experienced.”
-DeAnn, age 55
Real person who had shingles.
Other people’s experiences may be different.
DeAnn, age 55
A real person who had shingles
Hear how shingles impacted DeAnn.
Sherri, age 55
A real person who had shingles
Hear how shingles impacted Sherri.
Vanessa, age 65
A real person who had shingles
Hear how shingles impacted Vanessa.
Charles, age 65
A real person who had shingles
Hear how Charles was impacted by shingles and PHN.
Don’t underestimate the impact shingles can have on your patients.
Patient portrayal.
See how you and your staff can start a shingles conversation with your appropriate patients
TAKE ACTION TO DISCUSS SHINGLESHow helpful was the information?
References
- Curran D, Matthews S, Boutry C, Lecrenier N, Cunningham AL, Schmader K. Natural history of herpes zoster in the placebo groups of three randomized phase III clinical trials. Infect Dis Ther. 2022;11(6):2265-2277.
- About shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed January 17, 2025. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/index.html
- Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1-30.
- Kilgore PE, Kruszon-Moran D, Seward JF, et al. Varicella in Americans from NHANES III: implications for control through routine immunization. J Med Virol. 2003;70(suppl 1):S111-S118.
- Marra F, Parhar K, Huang B, Vadlamudi N. Risk factors for herpes zoster infection: a meta-analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2020;7(1):1-8.
- Clinical features of shingles (herpes zoster). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed May 10, 2024. Accessed November 1, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-signs/index.html
- Shingles symptoms and complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 19, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html
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