Certain chronic conditions†, including cardiovascular diseases, may be associated with an increased risk of developing shingles.¹˒² People aged 50 and older who have cardiovascular disease may benefit from a better understanding of shingles and from discussing their personal risk with their doctor .
Aging, the Immune System, and the Risk of Shingles
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As people age, natural changes occur in the immune system, which is one of the reasons why shingles occurs more frequently after age 50.³˒⁴˒⁵ People living with cardiovascular disease may have up to a 34% increased risk of developing shingles compared to people without cardiovascular disease.²
The Importance of Discussing Shingles with Your Doctor
If you are over 50 years old and have cardiovascular disease, it may be helpful to discuss shingles during a routine appointment with your doctor.
Understanding Shingles
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox.1,2,6 After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate years later as shingles.3 Approximately 90% of people over the age of 50 carry VZV, although for many the virus remains dormant.3,7,8 When shingles develops, it usually presents as an itchy rash with blisters.3
In 2026, a survey conducted in Cyprus showed that 77% of respondents agreed that shingles can cause severe pain, blisters, and widespread rashes, while only 33% agreed that 1 in 3 people will develop shingles at some point in their lives.9
Shingles and Its Possible Complications
For many people, shingles resolves within a few weeks.3 However, some people may experience complications.3 The most common of these is postherpetic neuralgia, a type of nerve pain that can persist even after the rash has healed.3
Information on Shingles and Evidence-Based Health Decisions
Don’t underestimate shingles and the impact it can have on your well-being and quality of life. Educate yourself, talk to your doctor, and take steps that can help reduce the risk of the virus reactivating if you are over 50 and living with cardiovascular disease.
Learn more about shingles, its symptoms, and possible complications at erpitaszostiras.cy.
†Not all chronic conditions increase the risk of developing shingles, and the examples listed here are not an exhaustive list.2
References
1. Steinmann et al. Infection. 2024;52(3):1009-1026.
2. Marra F et al. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2020;7:ofaa005 / ofz409.
3. Harpaz R, et al. MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1–30.
4. Gershon AA, et al. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2015;1:15016.
5. Kawai K, et al. BMJ Open. 2014;4:e004833.
6. Mueller, N.H., et al. Neurol Clin. 2008;26(3):675–97.
7. Laing KJ, et al. J Infect Dis. 2018;218(suppl_2):S68–S74.
8. Bollaerts K, et al. Epidemiol Infect. 2017;145:2666–2677.
9. IPSOS on behalf of GSK, Shingles Public ATU Research Cyprus. Data on file 2026
(REF-338990).
Technical Note
On behalf of GSK, Ipsos conducted an online survey in July 2026 with 100 participants in Cyprus who chose to take part in the survey (aged 18–59 with comorbidities and 60–79). Participants who did not disclose their age were excluded from the survey. The survey included only individuals who were familiar with shingles and had a positive attitude toward vaccinations that help prevent infectious diseases. None of the participants worked in, nor had a close relative who worked in, the market research or pharmaceutical industries.
Total sample (n=100): 147 individuals were recruited to participate, of whom 100 reported being familiar with shingles and completed the survey.
• The survey conducted in Cyprus in July 2026 showed that:
· 33% (n=33) of respondents agreed that 1 in 3 people will develop shingles during their lifetime.9
· 77% (n=77) of respondents agreed that shingles can cause severe pain, blisters, and widespread rashes.9
Awareness information about the disease is provided and funded by GSK and is intended exclusively for the general public in Cyprus. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Not everyone at risk will develop shingles. The symptoms of shingles may vary from patient to patient.
For more information, please contact us at [email protected] and [email protected].
NP-CY-HZU-ADVR-260003
Date of Preparation: October 2026
©2026 GSK Group of companies or its licensor
Images depict patients
