Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a painful and debilitating condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

The condition affects millions of people worldwide, most commonly in the elderly population. Recently, researchers have found that herpes zoster infection may be associated with an increased risk of stroke.

Understanding Herpes Zoster

Herpes zoster is a viral infection that affects the nerve fibers in the skin. The initial symptoms of herpes zoster include itching, burning, and tingling sensation in a specific area of the skin.

The affected skin area then develops a red rash that eventually turns into small, fluid-filled blisters. The blisters can burst, leaving open sores that take a few weeks to heal.

While herpes zoster may occur in any part of the body, it most often affects the trunk (chest and back), face, and eyes. The condition is more common in adults over the age of 60, although younger people can also develop herpes zoster.

People who have weakened immune systems, due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy, are also at a higher risk of developing the condition.

The Link to Stroke

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology found that herpes zoster infection may be associated with an increased risk of stroke.

The study analyzed data from over 67,000 patients who had herpes zoster infection and found that the patients had a 31% greater risk of ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain.

The study also found that the risk of stroke was highest in the first year following herpes zoster infection. The risk gradually decreased over time but remained elevated for up to four years after the infection.

Possible Mechanisms

While the exact mechanisms behind the link between herpes zoster and stroke are still unclear, researchers have proposed several theories.

One theory is that the inflammation caused by herpes zoster infection may lead to the formation of blood clots in the arteries that supply blood to the brain.

Another theory is that herpes zoster may damage the walls of blood vessels, making them more prone to the formation of blood clots.

Yet another theory is that herpes zoster may trigger autoimmune responses that cause inflammation and damage to blood vessel walls.

Risk Factors

While herpes zoster infection may increase the risk of stroke, certain risk factors may further increase this risk. These risk factors include:.

Older age
High blood pressure
Smoking
Diabetes
Heart disease
High cholesterol

If you have any of these risk factors and have had herpes zoster infection, it is important to talk to your doctor about your risk of stroke and ways to reduce it.

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no cure for herpes zoster, but antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and severity of the infection.

Pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, may also be prescribed to help manage the pain associated with the infection.

To reduce the risk of herpes zoster infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people over the age of 50 receive the herpes zoster vaccine, which can reduce the risk of developing the infection by up to 90%.

The vaccine is a one-time injection and is recommended even if you have had herpes zoster infection before.

Conclusion

Herpes zoster infection may be associated with an increased risk of stroke.

While the exact mechanisms behind this link are still unclear, it is important for individuals who have had herpes zoster infection to be mindful of their stroke risk and take steps to reduce this risk. This includes managing any underlying risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and receiving the herpes zoster vaccine.