Shingles: A Rising Risk for Adults, Especially Those with Chronic Conditions

As Shingles Action Week 2026 (February 23 – March 1) approaches, medical experts are highlighting the often-underestimated risk of shingles, a painful condition affecting over 30% of adults in their lifetime. While many associate shingles with a simple skin rash, it can lead to severe complications, particularly in individuals aged 50 and over and those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease.

Understanding Shingles: The Reactivation of a Dormant Virus

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells. As individuals age or their immune systems weaken, the virus can reactivate, causing shingles [1]. The risk of reactivation increases with age, stress, and certain medical treatments or diseases that compromise the immune system [1].

Increased Risk for Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions

Individuals with chronic health conditions face a significantly elevated risk of developing shingles and experiencing more severe complications. Here’s a breakdown of the increased risk for specific conditions:

• Diabetes: Diabetic patients, even those with well-controlled blood sugar, are at risk of experiencing difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels when shingles occurs, increasing the risk of complications and hospitalization [1].
• Cardiovascular Disease: Shingles can affect blood vessel walls, causing inflammation and narrowing, potentially impacting blood flow to the heart and brain [1]. Individuals with a history of stroke are at increased risk, and even healthy individuals contracting shingles may face a higher chance of developing heart and blood vessel issues [1].
• Kidney Disease: Patients with kidney disease, particularly those on dialysis or receiving immunosuppressive drugs, are 2-3 times more likely to develop shingles than the general population [1]. Kidney transplant recipients face an even higher risk, nearly 9 times greater [1].
• Other Immunocompromising Conditions: Individuals with conditions like COPD, asthma, or other illnesses that weaken the immune system are also at increased risk.

Beyond the Rash: Potential Complications of Shingles

Shingles is not limited to a painful skin rash. It can lead to several complications:

• Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN): Chronic nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the rash has healed [1].
• Ophthalmic Shingles: A rash around the eyes, which can lead to inflammation and potential vision loss in approximately 1 in 5 shingles patients [1].
• Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Events: As mentioned previously, shingles can contribute to heart and blood vessel problems.

Prevention is Key: Vaccination and Proactive Healthcare

Preventing shingles is crucial, especially for those at higher risk. Medical experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider about vaccination. Regular health check-ups, a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest and exercise, and proactive management of chronic conditions are also essential steps in reducing the risk and severity of shingles.

Shingles Action Week 2026

Shingles Action Week, taking place from February 23rd to March 1st, 2026, aims to raise awareness about the misconceptions surrounding shingles and encourage proactive conversations between patients and healthcare professionals [3]. Over 90% of adults over the age of 50 already carry the virus that causes shingles, and over 30% will develop shingles in their lifetime [3].