A recent study has shown that older adults who’ve been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have not been vaccinated for shingles are at a 15% higher risk of developing shingles. The number jumps to 21% for those who have been hospitalized with COVID.

The U.S. data collected excluded anyone vaccinated for either disease and indicates the risk of shingles (herpes zoster) remains elevated for up to six months post COVID-19 diagnosis.

Herpes zoster, a virus that initially causes chickenpox, can reappear as shingles as the immune system naturally weakens over time. Researchers believe that shingles is triggered by the immune dysfunction caused by the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Shingles is a vaccine-preventable disease and so it is recommended that adults 50 and older remain current on their herpes zoster vaccine, to limit the risks of contracting the disease. “Vaccines are important to maintaining good health. But rest assured, when illness strikes, SpecialtyRx is here to provide LTC facilities with the medications they need to treat their residents quickly and effectively,” stated Saba Ansari, Operations Specialist.

SpecialtyRx is your premier source for all your pharmaceutical needs.