专家：带状疱疹并非老年人“专属疾病” 高危人群需尽早预防

Core Viewpoint - Shingles is not exclusively a disease of the elderly; younger individuals with compromised immune systems are also at significant risk of infection [1] Group 1: High-Risk Populations - High-risk groups for shingles include patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as rheumatic diseases, blood cancers, and solid tumors [1] - Another high-risk group consists of individuals undergoing treatment with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or biological agents, which further weaken the immune system [1] - It is now recognized that individuals aged 18 and older with compromised immune function can develop shingles, contrary to the previous belief that it primarily affects the elderly [1] Group 2: Vaccination Recommendations - Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing shingles, but immunocompromised individuals have specific vaccine requirements [2] - Live attenuated vaccines are not recommended for patients with immune deficiencies; inactivated or recombinant vaccines are preferred due to their higher safety profile [2] - Patients recovering from shingles should evaluate vaccination options three months post-recovery [2] Group 3: Clinical Implications - Shingles can cause severe pain that may lead to sympathetic nervous system excitation, increasing the risk of coronary artery spasm and serious cardiovascular events [2] - Data indicates that shingles patients have a 78% increased risk of stroke and a 39% higher risk of developing shingles if they already have cardiovascular diseases [2] - The risk of shingles significantly increases with the number of comorbid chronic diseases, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [2] Group 4: Current Vaccination Rates and Recommendations - Despite the significant benefits of vaccination, the current vaccination rate for shingles in China remains low [3] - Vaccination not only alleviates patient suffering but also reduces healthcare costs, as the treatment cost for a shingles patient often exceeds the vaccine cost [3] - The autumn and winter seasons are peak times for shingles outbreaks, and high-risk individuals, especially those with immune deficiencies and chronic diseases, are advised to consult healthcare providers for vaccination [3]