Shingles Awareness Week 2025: Shingles Linked to Increased Risk of Heart Attack, Stroke, and Hospitalization

Shingles is more than just a painful rash—it poses severe long-term health risks, including an increased likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization, particularly for individuals with diabetes. As part of Shingles Awareness Week 2025, global health experts are raising awareness about these hidden risks and the critical importance of vaccination and early prevention.

Shingles and Cardiovascular Risks: A Growing Concern

Research shows that shingles can lead to significant vascular complications, including:

• A 30% higher risk of stroke within the first year of infection.
• A 60% increased risk of heart attack, particularly among older adults.

These risks stem from the inflammatory response triggered by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which can cause blood vessel damage and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular events.

Shingles and Diabetes: A Dangerous Combination

For people living with diabetes, the impact of shingles is even more severe:

• The risk of hospitalization is more than three times higher compared to non-diabetic individuals.
• Prolonged recovery times and worsened glucose control due to inflammation and stress on the body.

These findings highlight the urgent need for proactive prevention strategies, especially for older adults and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

Vaccination: The Best Defense Against Shingles

Medical experts emphasize vaccination as the most effective way to reduce shingles-related complications. The shingles vaccine has been shown to:
✔️ Significantly lower the risk of shingles and its complications
✔️ Reduce the severity of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful long-term complication
✔️ Help prevent hospitalization and cardiovascular events linked to shingles

Taking Action This Shingles Awareness Week

With global health organizations and medical professionals advocating for increased awareness, adults aged 50 and older, as well as individuals with weakened immune systems or diabetes, are strongly encouraged to consult their healthcare providers about shingles vaccination.