Shingles may Increase Risk of Stroke

A recent study shows how contracting shingles could increase the risk of stroke.

In particular, findings show that patients who suffer from shingles have a higher risk in the first six months after the appearance of the health issue. This is when the rash is at its most deadly and can even occur near the eyes.

This painful and contagious rash is caused by the varicella zoster virus, and typically spreads to a small area of the body or face. It's also the same virus that causes chickenpox and has unfortunately become a significant health problem in the United States, affecting more than 1 million adults every year.

The study included around 6,500 patients and compared stroke risk in the time period after the patient showed symptoms of shingles to time periods when they exhibited no signs of the health issue. Findings revealed that stroke risk was 63 percent higher following the first four weeks after the first shingles episode when compared to the patient's baseline risk. Fortunately, the percentage risk diminished closing in at six months.

"The relatively low prescribing rates of antiviral therapy in U.K. general practice after developing shingles need to be improved," said Sinéad Langan, MD, PhD, at the  London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, via a press release, "as our study suggests that stroke risks following shingles are lower in those treated with oral antiviral therapy compared to individuals not treated with antiviral therapy."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases.