The risk of developing shingles in Vietnam is very high.

Elderly people undergo screening before vaccination at VNVC.

According to doctors, both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same pathogen, the Varicella Zoster virus (VZV). Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles.

In Vietnam, hospitals have also reported an increase in shingles cases following the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of cases experiencing complications and requiring hospitalization each year.

Most adults have been exposed to the chickenpox virus but do not experience obvious symptoms. With thousands of chickenpox cases each year, coupled with an aging population and the prevalence of multiple chronic diseases, the number of people at risk of developing shingles in Vietnam is very high.

The disease can cause a range of serious complications, and is especially common in the elderly and those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions.

These complications include: skin damage, severe pain, persistent nerve pain, blindness, facial paralysis, pneumonia, hepatitis, encephalitis, meningitis, stroke…

Among these, post-herpetic neuralgia significantly impacts the quality of life of patients. This is a condition where the herpes zoster lesions have healed, but the patient still experiences intense pain.

Up to 30% of cases will experience post-herpetic neuralgia.

Patients describe the pain as stabbing, electric shock, or even more painful than childbirth. Approximately over 50% of patients experience neuropathic pain lasting for a year or more, with recurring episodes.

Only those who have a loved one suffering from shingles can truly understand the excruciating pain experienced by the patient. Family members of someone with shingles also feel the pain and sorrow for their loved one.

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Doctors explain how to differentiate between dermatitis caused by blister beetles and shingles.Summer is the peak season for rove beetles. Many people wonder why, even though they haven't been bitten, their skin still develops blisters and burning sensations typical of rove beetle-induced dermatitis.

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The elderly, people with underlying chronic conditions such as respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD), cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes, etc., and patients with autoimmune diseases or immunosuppression are at a higher risk of developing shingles.

The shingles vaccine produced by GSK has been approved by the Ministry of Health for use in Vietnam since May 2024. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and recurrence, and is intended for individuals aged 50 and over, and those aged 18 and over who are at risk of developing shingles.

As a comprehensive strategic partner with GSK, VNVC Vaccination System will be the first to administer this vaccine in Vietnam starting in early October.

To help more people better understand this dangerous disease, Tuoi Tre newspaper, in collaboration with VNVC Vaccination System, is organizing an online consultation session titled "The Dangers of Shingles (Herpes Zoster), Chickenpox & Introduction of New Vaccines" from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM on October 4, 2024.

The experts participating in the online consultation included:

– Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Lam, Head of Clinical Immunology Department, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

– Dr. Le Van Tuan, Director of the Neuroscience Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

– Dr. Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System

The program will also be livestreamed on the following channels:

– Fanpage and Youtube of VNVC Vaccination System

– Tuoi Tre Online, Tuoi Tre Newspaper Fanpage & Youtube

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– VTV8 – Vietnam Television

– Vinh Long Radio and Television Station Fanpage & Vinh Long Television Youtube Channel

– The fanpage and YouTube channels of Tam Anh General Hospital and Nutrihome Nutrition Center.

We invite you to read on.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguy-co-mac-zona-than-kinh-o-viet-nam-la-rat-cao-202410031322227.htm