Shingles and chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (also known as renal failure) is a change in kidney function or structure that lasts longer than three months and has an impact on general health. If the function is severely restricted, symptoms such as high blood pressure, anaemia or urinary intoxication can occur.
Like other chronic diseases, renal insufficiency has a negative impact on the immune system. Patients with impaired kidney function are more susceptible to infectious diseases, such as viruses. The risk of contracting shingles is therefore significantly increased.
Increased risk of developing shingles in patients with chronic kidney disease
Shingles is usually a very painful inflammation of the nerves which, regardless of age, poses a particular risk to patients whose immune system is weakened by an existing underlying disease.
Underlying illnesses can also increase the risk of complications or severe courses of shingles. In addition, immunocompromised people are more likely to suffer a recurrence of shingles.
Chronic kidney disease increases the risk of shingles by
Vaccination protects against shingles
Vaccination against shingles can prevent the disease and possible complications.
According to the Austrian vaccination schedule, vaccination against shingles is recommended:
- for all persons from the age of 50 years and above
- for people with a particularly high risk of getting shingles starting from the age of 18
Learn more about shingles (herpes zoster)
Shingles is a disease that is often underestimated, although it can affect almost anyone. Find out more about the cause of this nerve inflammation, symptoms, possible complications, prevention and treatment.
NP-AT-HZU-WCNT-240004, 07/2024