Shingles and chronic lung diseases

Chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma.

COPD is a chronic disease of the lungs characterised by inflamed and permanently constricted airways and is usually caused by heavy exposure to pollutants. It is characterised by the typical symptoms of sputum production, coughing and shortness of breath. COPD usually occurs in older adults and is one of the most common respiratory diseases.

Bronchial asthma is a widespread disease characterised by constriction of the bronchial tubes. The symptoms range from wheezing to shortness of breath or breathlessness. Asthma occurs regardless of age and is the most common chronic respiratory disease in children.

In Austria, around 800,000 people are affected by COPD.

Around 400,000 people in Austria are affected by asthma.

Both COPD and bronchial asthma are often associated with a reduced quality of life for patients, long-term medication and an increased risk of infectious diseases such as shingles.

Increased risk of developing shingles in patients with chronic lung diseases

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.

The risk of developing shingles increases by

in individuals with COPD and by

in individuals with bronchial asthma.

 

 If you have any questions about your personal risk of developing shingles, please contact your doctor.

 

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
More about the herpes zoster vaccination against shingles

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