Every year, the Central Dermatology Hospital receives about 2,000 - 3,000 patients with shingles. In addition to cases with acute shingles, the hospital also receives many cases with post-herpetic pain syndrome and nerve paralysis complications that require hospitalization.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Huu Doanh, Vice President of the Vietnam Dermatology Association and Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital, said that shingles often begin with symptoms of pain and burning in a specific area of skin, followed by rashes and blisters. The pain can last from several weeks to several months, even years. A common complication is post-herpetic neuralgia, which causes the patient to endure prolonged pain that is difficult to treat. In addition, shingles can cause eye damage, hearing loss, or even stroke in severe cases.
Postherpetic neuralgia can last for weeks, months, or even years, which can disrupt daily activities, reduce the patient's quality of life, and put a lot of pressure on caregivers.
According to data from the Central Dermatology Hospital, in 2022, the hospital recorded 62% of visits with post-herpetic neuralgia complications. Notably, more than 70% of cases occurred in people over 50 years old with an average hospital stay of 6.6 days.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Huu Doanh added: Patients with shingles have to bear direct costs for inpatient treatment, secondary care, outpatient treatment, medication... Notably, patients with complications related to shingles have to bear 42% higher costs than patients without complications, mainly due to the increase in inpatient services. That is not to mention indirect costs such as reduced labor productivity and many other burdens for caregivers of elderly patients with shingles.
The burden of shingles extends beyond the painful symptoms to the psychological and work-related effects of the disease. Chronic pain and discomfort can lead to stress, depression, and reduced productivity. The elderly, a group at high risk for shingles, face even more serious health risks due to weakened immune systems.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Huu Doanh emphasized the important role of treating physicians in advising patients on early prevention of shingles. Raising awareness of the disease, enhancing prevention and improving access to vaccines will help reduce the burden of shingles, bringing a better quality of life to the community.
Prevention is key to reducing the health burden of shingles. Vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of developing the disease and its severity if it does occur. The shingles vaccine is especially beneficial for people aged 50 and older, who are at highest risk. In addition, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and boosting your immune system can also help reduce the risk of the virus reactivating.
Associate Professor, Dr. Le Huu Doanh said: “Physicians play an important role in preventing shingles, especially in patients with underlying diseases, and integrating vaccination into routine clinical practice. Doing this well will help significantly reduce the disease burden for patients in particular and the health system in general.”
