Does anyone with LUPUS get reoccurring Shingles/ Herpes Zoster infections?

[Severancered9]

So I am waiting to be diagnosed with Lupus/ Mix Connective Tissue Disease. I have a lot of the symptoms for lupus like the face rash, other rashes on my body. Severing from fatigue, mouth ulcers really bad migraines. My body gets swollen and holds a lot of fluid. Joint pain as well as stomach issues. Vitamin D deficiency and anemic. Constantly have slightly positive ANA test. I’m with rheumatology, immunology and waiting to hear back from dermatology. Rheumatology kinder tried to brush me off didn’t really want take responsibility for me. I recently went to my immunology appointment in Cambridge and the specialist is convinced it’s most likely Lupus and says she will be running the test as well as giving my rheumatologist a nudge and guidance for the lupus diagnosis especially as I have a big family history of autoimmune diseases.

To get back to the purpose of the post, I have been getting reoccurring Shingles since 2020. I have had it over 6 times roughly twice every year(sometime even more than twice). It’s always around the same place in my hair line. I have been telling my doctors this for years and no one was able really able to give me any reason. Bear in mind recovery sometimes 4-6 weeks so you can imagine I tend to be off work a lot of the year even with the shingles alone. It’s only the immunology specialist that’s been able to give me some reason for this and says is due to “herpes zoster infection” occurring frequently in SLE patients.

Does anyone with Systemic Lupus get regular reoccurring shingles, how often and how do you cope?

[Suvi8901]

Hi there,

Thought you might be interested in the link below?

Posted some 11 years ago with lupus sufferers stating that the shingles virus (chickenpox virus) seems to be reactivated with lupus.

As lupus sufferers on immunosuppressant medication eg MMF or biologics through regular iv infusions we must NEVER forget to shield against all these airborne (or otherwise) dangerous viruses! Shingles is a reactivated manifestation of the chickenpox virus which is easily spread hence we have to protect ourselves from those who are infected and can give it to us!😱

Posters mentioned antiviral prescriptions even then!

Wondering what the latest medical expert opinion is?🧐

Have a read:

“Does lupus make shingles worse?”——

healthunlocked.com/lupusuk/....

Interesting info + photos from the Mayo Clinic on shingles:

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

[Severancered9 in reply to Suvi8901]

thank you for your response. The immunologist did mention being on a small regular dose of anti virals like in the post. I’m currently on steroids from rheumatology, fexofenadine for my skin and other medication for reflux. Feel like I’m taking so many medications and didn’t want to have to add more to the equation but may have to call my doctor as I do think a new shingle rash is appearing.

[Dottie11]

I am sure I read that Shingles itself can raise ANA bloods . But you need to get to the bottom of what is going on as AI will be putting your body under a lot of stress.