How having a chronic condition affects your risk of shingles

(NC) Living with a chronic condition can be complex: on top of managing the condition itself, it can also put you at increased risk for other health issues, including shingles.

Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, which can lie dormant in nerve cells after having chicken pox. Reactivation of the virus can happen later in life when the immune system has been weakened, which can be brought about by age and certain health conditions. Certain underlying conditions can also make the disease more likely to occur and make its effects and complications more severe. Here are four to be aware of:

Asthma

Increased shingles risk: 24 per cent. Experienced by over 4.6 million Canadians, asthma involves inflammation of the airways, which can make it harder to breathe. According to Asthma Canada, chronic lung conditions, including asthma, can make shingles and its complications more likely. This is especially important to know for someone using inhaled corticosteroids to help manage their asthma, which can weaken the immune system. This weakening may allow the varicella zoster virus to reactivate.

Diabetes

Increased shingles risk: 24 per cent. Diabetes is a condition that interferes with the body’s ability to produce and use insulin. This can result in significant swings in blood sugar, which can have a number of impacts, according to Diabetes Canada. Someone living with diabetes can find their body’s ability to fight infection reduced, which can make them more susceptible to shingles. There is research which shows that people with diabetes who experience shingles also have almost a 20 per cent greater likelihood of long-term nerve pain from shingles compared to those without the condition.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)

Increased shingles risk: 34 per cent. CVD, commonly referred to as heart disease, is a broad category of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. Symptoms include shortness of breath, pain or tightness in the chest, fatigue, dizziness and more. In addition to shingles being more likely for those living with CVD, shingles may also be associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke among anyone who experiences the viral infection.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Increased shingles risk: 41 per cent. COPD encompasses a number of lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It progresses slowly, reducing lung function over time. People living with COPD who get shingles may also be 53 per cent more likely to develop long-lasting nerve pain once the rash has cleared up than those without the condition.

Shingles is preventable. If you’re living with a chronic condition, speak with your healthcare provider about your risk of shingles and how you can protect yourself against it.