Discuss solutions to prevent shingles for people with chronic diseases

NDO - A large number of medical staff from hospitals and medical associations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City participated in the scientific seminar series "Multidisciplinary coordination - Comprehensive prevention of shingles" to discuss solutions to prevent shingles for people with chronic diseases.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Trung Anh, President of the Vietnam Geriatrics Association, Director of the Central Geriatrics Hospital in Vietnam, nearly 2/3 of people over 60 years old have chronic diseases, of which more than half have multiple underlying diseases at the same time. Many studies have shown that co-existing chronic diseases are factors that increase the risk of shingles and this risk is even higher when patients have multiple co-morbidities.

People with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at higher risk of developing shingles.

Postherpetic neuralgia affects quality of life, such as prolonged insomnia, negative psychology and some other less common complications such as stroke, myelitis, cerebral arteritis. Treatment of shingles complications can be prolonged and expensive, especially for the elderly and people with underlying diseases, putting pressure on the health system.

Professor, Dr. Truong Quang Binh, Chairman of the Scientific Council, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Chairman of the Atherosclerosis Association - Vietnam Cardiovascular Association said: Cardiovascular patients have a 34% higher risk of getting shingles than normal. In particular, when having shingles, stable cardiovascular patients can have dangerous cardiovascular events such as stroke, transient ischemic attack, myocardial infarction... Although not many, these events seriously affect the quality of life, even threatening the patient's life. Therefore, proactive prevention of shingles in cardiovascular patients is extremely important.

Shingles also negatively affects blood sugar control. People with diabetes are at risk of developing shingles and its more severe or prolonged complications, such as secondary infections, pain, and delayed wound healing. Meanwhile, shingles in the setting of chronic respiratory disease can worsen symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dyspnea, or increase the incidence of exacerbations.

In addition to the significant physical and mental impact, shingles can also cause a significant medical, financial, and social burden. Treatment, especially for long-term complications, can involve a number of associated costs, including primary care visits, inpatient and outpatient care, and extended hospital stays.

Associate Professor, Dr. Le Dinh Thanh, Director of Thong Nhat Hospital.

Therefore, according to Associate Professor, Dr. Le Dinh Thanh, Director of Thong Nhat Hospital, early prevention and multidisciplinary coordination play an important role in helping patients understand the risks and potential complications of shingles, especially in those with underlying medical conditions. When fully and promptly advised, patients can proactively take health protection measures, thereby minimizing the risk of disease and complications, as well as enhancing more effective control of chronic diseases. This is not only a solution to help improve quality of life but also contributes to reducing the burden on the health care system.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thao-luan-giai-phap-phong-ngua-zona-than-kinh-cho-nguoi-co-benh-ly-man-tinh-post864472.html