Why carry out this study?

Herpes zoster is a disease caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus. Approximately 30% of adults will develop herpes zoster in their lifetime.

Significant pain which may last for months—postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—is an important complication.

Spanish data on the impact of herpes zoster and PHN is mainly from retrospective studies. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the impact on the quality of life of patients at least 50 years of age and costs related to HZ and complications.

What was learned from the study?

Herpes zoster and PHN have a substantial economic burden and impact on the quality of life of adults at least 50 years of age in Spain.

The data from this study can help inform cost-effectiveness estimations of the benefit of vaccination strategies against herpes zoster.