Shingles and rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, spine, tendons, muscles and ligaments. In addition to functional limitations of the affected joints, the ongoing inflammatory process not only leads to pain and restrictions in quality of life, but also to a weakening of the immune system and an associated increased risk of infectious diseases such as shingles.
In Austria, around 200,000 to 290,000 people suffer from an inflammatory rheumatic disease. Of these, 60,000-90,000 have rheumatoid arthritis.
Increased risk of developing shingles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Shingles is usually a very painful inflammation of the nerves, which poses a particular risk to patients whose immune system is weakened by an existing underlying disease, regardless of their age.
Underlying illnesses can also increase the risk of complications or severe courses of shingles. In addition, immunocompromised people are more likely to suffer a recurrence of shingles.
Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of contracting shingles by
Vaccination protects against shingles
Vaccination against shingles can prevent the disease and possible complications.
In Austria, vaccination is recommended for individuals with a particularly high risk of shingles (severe underlying diseases including those with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, COPD, or asthma and/or severe immunosuppression) from the age of 18 years onwards.
Learn more about shingles (herpes zoster)
Shingles is a disease that is often underestimated, although it can affect almost anyone. Find out more about the cause of this nerve inflammation, symptoms, possible complications, prevention and treatment.
NP-AT-HZU-WCNT-240024, 12/2024
