Shingles risk in Vietnam is soaring, fueled by a rise in chickenpox cases and an aging population.

In Vietnam, hospitals have reported a rise in shingles cases following the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of patients experiencing complications and requiring hospitalization each year.

According to doctors, both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same pathogen -- the varicella zoster virus. 

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.

Most adults have been exposed to the varicella virus but show no obvious symptoms. 

With thousands of chickenpox cases each year, combined with an aging population and a growing number of individuals with multiple chronic conditions, the risk of shingles in Vietnam is notably high.

The elderly and individuals with chronic conditions, such as respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, as well as those with autoimmune disorders or immunodeficiencies, are at a higher risk for shingles.

Shingles can lead to serious complications, particularly among the elderly and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health issues. 

These complications may include skin lesions, severe pain, persistent nerve pain, blindness, facial paralysis, pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis, meningitis, and stroke.

One significant complication, post-herpetic neuralgia, can greatly impacts quality of life. 

With post-herpetic neuralgia, the shingles lesions may heal, but the patient continues to experience intense pain, often described as stabbing or electric shock-like, sometimes even more painful than labor. 

Approximately 50 percent of patients endure nerve pain for up to a year, with recurring episodes.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has given the green light to the shingles vaccine developed by global biopharma giant GSK.

Approved since May, this highly effective vaccine is believed to be a game-changer in preventing shingles and its recurrence.

Health officials recommend it for individuals aged 50 and older, and also for those aged 18 and over who are at risk.

As a strategic partner of GSK, Vietnam Vaccine Joint Stock Company is set to begin administering this vaccine for the first time in Vietnam this month.

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