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What is Herpes Zoster (Shingles)?

• Herpes zoster occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in nerve ganglia during periods of weakened immunity.
• Shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus can spread to individuals who have never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine.
• High-risk groups include:
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients
  • People with diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease patients
  • Adults aged 50 and above
  • Individuals with a history of shingles
  • Those under high stress or with irregular lifestyles
• Complications: About 30% of patients develop postherpetic neuralgia, which can cause pain lasting for months or even years.

Why Should CKD Patients Be Concerned?

• Reduced kidney function often correlates with weakened immunity, increasing the risk of shingles.
• CKD patients who develop shingles have a higher risk of requiring dialysis.
• Dialysis patients have 3.29 times higher risk of shingles compared to the general population.

How to Prevent Shingles?

• Maintain a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Ensure good sleep habits and stress reduction
• Get vaccinated against shingles

Shingles Vaccine Information

• Consult your doctor before vaccination, especially if you are undergoing immunosuppressive therapy.
• Administration: Two intramuscular doses, spaced 2–6 months apart
• Recommended for:
  • Adults aged 50 and above
  • Adults aged 18 and above who are at high risk
• Effectiveness:
  • Preventing shingles: 97% (ages 50–59), 91% (ages ≥70)
  • Preventing postherpetic neuralgia: 91% (ages ≥50)
• Duration of protection: 87.7% efficacy even 11 years after vaccination
• Side effects: Fatigue, fever, injection site pain

Quick Self-Check

Please check the following to assess your knowledge and attitude toward shingles:

1. Do you know what shingles is?
   ☐ Yes ☐ No
2. Do you know CKD patients have a higher risk of shingles?
   ☐ Yes ☐ No
3. Do you know shingles can be prevented by vaccination?
   ☐ Yes ☐ No
4. Are you willing to get the shingles vaccine?☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Considering