New Large-Scale Observational Study Shows COVID-19 Could Create Vulnerability to Shingles for People Age 50+

Rhea-AI Summary

GSK's recent study indicates that individuals aged 50 and older diagnosed with COVID-19 face a significantly increased risk of developing shingles. The research, published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases, analyzed data from nearly 2 million Americans during March 2020 to February 2021. Key findings show a 15% higher likelihood of shingles post-COVID-19, with a 21% increase for those hospitalized. The study emphasizes the need for awareness and vaccination among older adults to mitigate risks associated with shingles following COVID-19.

Positive

• The study provides epidemiological evidence linking COVID-19 to an increased risk of shingles in older adults.
• 15% increased likelihood of shingles in older adults post-COVID-19 diagnosis.
• 21% increased likelihood of shingles for individuals hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Negative

• Study limitations due to retrospective design and potential residual confounding factors.

• Analysis of data collected between March 2020–February 2021 from nearly 2 million Americans indicates patients diagnosed with COVID-19 may be more likely to develop shingles in the six months following diagnosis
• Observed effect was higher for patients with severe cases of COVID-19 who required hospitalization

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- According to a new study conducted by GSK, people age 50 or older in the US who have had COVID-19 may be at greater risk of developing shingles – a painful rash – compared to those who haven’t been diagnosed with COVID-19. This research was published in the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

Key findings include:

• In this retrospective cohort study, people aged 50 or older who contracted COVID-19 were 15% more likely to develop shingles compared to controls who were never diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Risk of shingles was elevated for up to six months after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
• Those hospitalized for COVID-19 were 21% more likely to develop shingles.

The study observed adults aged 50 years and older using claims data from two large US databases and matched persons with and without COVID-19 using various known shingles risk factors. Anyone vaccinated against either shingles or COVID-19 was excluded from the cohorts.

“This is the first epidemiological evidence linking prior COVID-19 infection with increased shingles risk among older adults, who are already at heightened risk of shingles due to age-related decline in immunity,” said Temi Folaranmi, MD, Vice President and Vaccines Therapeutic Area Head, US Medical Affairs, GSK. “It is important that healthcare professionals are aware of this potential increased risk so patients can be diagnosed and treated early if they develop shingles following COVID-19. These results also highlight the importance of preventative measures, such as vaccination, to protect the health and wellbeing of older adults who are at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases like COVID-19 and shingles.”

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) – the same virus that causes chickenpox – which lays dormant in the body after the initial infection. Nearly all adults over age 50 carry the virus that causes shingles. Natural age-related decline of the immune system can allow VZV to resurface, causing shingles. People with a suppressed or compromised immune system are also at increased risk of developing shingles.

The study authors, as well as case report publications, suggest that COVID-19 could trigger shingles by disrupting immune cells, allowing VZV to reactivate. More research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Shingles typically presents as a painful rash on one side of the face or body. Most people who get the disease experience acute pain, often described as aching or burning, which can cause significant disruptions to a person’s day-to-day activities for up to several weeks.

For more information on treatment and prevention, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources on shingles.

Study Methodology

Data were sourced from the Truven MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters, Medicare Supplemental and Optum Clinformatics Data Mart databases. These databases contain medical claims, prescription drugs and outpatient laboratory results data.

Individuals with a first-time COVID-19 diagnosis were matched with controls according to age, sex, shingles risk factors and healthcare costs. Each patient in the COVID-19 group was randomly matched to four patients in the non-COVID-19 group among a pool of individuals who fit the criteria.

To be included, individuals could not have received prior COVID-19 or shingles vaccinations. Vaccination status was based on National Drug Codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes.

Limitations of the study include those inherent to retrospective research based on claims data. Even though the study was controlled for possible confounding, there is the possibility for residual confounding. For example, while the study excluded HZ- and COVID-19-vaccinated persons, it is possible that not all vaccinations were recorded in the database. Additionally, the two databases included do not contain information from individuals insured through Medicaid or Medicare (other than Medicare Advantage) which may affect the generalizability of results.

About GSK

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company. For further information please visit www.gsk.com/about-us.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements

GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2020, GSK’s Q3 Results and any impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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FAQ

What did GSK's study reveal about COVID-19 and shingles risk?

GSK's study found that older adults who had COVID-19 were 15% more likely to develop shingles compared to those who hadn't.

How long does the increased risk of shingles last after a COVID-19 diagnosis according to GSK?

The increased risk of shingles can persist for up to six months following a COVID-19 diagnosis.

What percentage of COVID-19 hospitalized patients are at risk of developing shingles?

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 have a 21% higher likelihood of developing shingles.

Where was the GSK shingles study published?

The study was published in the Open Forum Infectious Diseases by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

What age group did the GSK shingles study focus on?

The study focused on individuals aged 50 years and older.