Chronic disease increases the risk of herpes zoster
At the scientific activity "Zonea Prevention: Advances in Clinical Practice" organized by GSK Vietnam in coordination with the Vietnam Medical Association, Dr. Tran Hoa, Head of Cardiovascular Intervention Unit, University Medical Center Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, shared: The 56-year-old male patient has a history of diabetes and hypertension. Recently, the patient was hospitalized due to severe acute chest pain and was diagnosed with myocardial infarction, then underwent coronary artery stenting intervention.
After that, the patient continued to experience recurrent and prolonged chest pain. After excluding the possibility of stent reestenosis, doctors discovered characteristic blisters on the patient's chest. This is a sign of zona. This shows that the patient not only has cardiovascular problems but also complications caused by zona. Older people with chronic diseases, infections such as zona often progress more severely and easily cause prolonged complications.
High risk in people with underlying disease
The virus that causes zona is latent in the body of more than 90% of adults. Factors such as old age, immunodeficiency, and especially chronic diseases can trigger the virus to reactivate.
Also according to Dr. Tran Hoa, statistics show that for every 3 adults, about 1 person is at risk of getting herpes zoster in life. Notably, this risk increases significantly in people with underlying diseases. Specifically, people with cardiovascular disease have a higher risk of about 34%, while people with diabetes and chronic kidney disease have an increased risk of about 38% and 29% respectively compared to the general population.
Faced with the reality of increased risk in the group of chronic patients, many health organizations around the world have recommended strengthening preventive measures for adults, especially high-risk groups.
According to Ms. Duong Thi Hong - Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, integrating zoster prevention in adult health care can help reduce the risk of disease and complications, thereby improving the quality of life.
The integrated care model from prevention to treatment for chronic patients is a suitable direction in the context of an aging population.
The coordination between health agencies, experts and the medical community will contribute to raising awareness, promoting disease prevention, and helping people proactively protect their health.
Doctors recommend that people – especially those with chronic diseases – should proactively seek medical examination and consult doctors for advice on appropriate preventive measures, limiting the risk of zona and prolonged complications.
