Herpes Zoster (HZ):
HZ is a painful rash that results from reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Primary infection with VZV causes chickenpox.1,2
Approximately 99.5% of adults in the US born before 1980 have been infected with VZV and are at risk of developing HZ. An estimated 1 million people develop HZ annually in the US. The risk of HZ increases with age.1
Risk Factors for Development of HZ1,3-5
Learn more about HZ in adults below
Older Adults

Pathogenesis and Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster
- Video
- • 6:14

Herpes Zoster: Impact and Burden of Disease
- Video
- • 3:09

Overview and Impact of Herpes Zoster
- Infographic

Herpes Zoster: Clinical Presentation and Complications
- Interactive Media

Herpes Zoster: Slide Presentation
- Presentation

Patient Experience with Herpes Zoster
- Video
- • 4:52
Immunocompromised / Immunosuppressed

The risks of HZ in people with rheumatic disease
Dr Jeffrey Curtis
- Video
- • 9:10

Burden of HZ infographic (RA and PsA)
- Infographic

Burden of HZ infographic (SLE)
- Infographic

Herpes Zoster and Hematologic Malignancies
- Infographic

Herpes Zoster and cancers common in Women
- Infographic

Understanding the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) in adults with multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Infographic

Understanding the risk of herpes zoster in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Infographic

Understanding the risk of herpes zoster in adults with rheumatic diseases
- Infographic

Herpes Zoster Risk in Oncology Patients
- Infographic

Herpes Zoster in Oncology Patients
- Video
- • 8:49

Shingles and Cancer: Understanding the Risk for Patients
- Podcast
- • 10:19
Medical History

Burden of HZ in patients with asthma
- Infographic

Burden of HZ in Patients COPD Infographic
- Infographic

Understanding the risk of hz in adults with chronic kidney disease
- Infographic
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Understanding the risk of herpes zoster in adults with cardiovascular disease
- Infographic

Understanding the risk of herpes zoster in adults with diabetes
- Infographic

The risks of HZ in people 50+ - Spanish
- Video
- • 3:00
Abbreviations
EN English; HZ Herpes Zoster; IC Immunocompromised; IS Immunosuppressed; SP Spanish; VZV Varicella Zoster Virus; US United States of America
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical overview of shingles (herpes zoster). Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/clinical-overview/
. Last accessed: October 2024.
- Leung J, et al. J Infect Dis 2022;226(Supp 4):S470–7
- Harpaz R, et al. MMWR Recomm Rep 2008;57(No. RR-5).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases. 14th ed. 2021 Chapter 23: Zoster. Accessed October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-23-zoster.html
- Marra F, et al. Open: Clinical Forum Infect Dis. 2020;7(1):ofaa005. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa005.