What does the research say about herpes zoster incidence?

Herpes zoster incidence

There is 1 paper on herpes zoster incidence in aging research: 1 observational study in people. The newest story, Nov 1, 2026: “Perceived stress was not linked to shingles risk overall”.

Disease

1 paper studies it1 more mentions it2 findings

1 new paper in 30 daysSee all 2 papers on herpes zoster incidence

“High perceived stress was associated with an increased risk of HZ among participants with low social support”

Perceived psychological stress, social support, and the incidence of herpes zoster in a cohort studyBrain, behavior, & immunity - health2026doi:10.1016/j.bbih.2026.101394

Humans1

Interventions

Perceived psychological stress

no changein humans1HR 1

1 study

Perceived psychological stress was not clearly linked with herpes zoster incidence in humans (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.83–1.19).
“Perceived stress was not associated with a risk of HZ”
HumansAdjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, and socioeconomic and lifestyle factorshighest versus lowest quartilen = 99,686
Perceived stress was not linked to shingles risk overall
Brain, behavior, & immunity - healthNov 1, 2026

Associations

Perceived psychological stress

upin humans1HR 1.65

1 study

Perceived psychological stress is associated with herpes zoster incidence in humans (Low social support) (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.03–2.66).
“High perceived stress was associated with an increased risk of HZ among participants with low social support”
HumansLow social supporthigh perceived stress
Perceived stress was not linked to shingles risk overall
Brain, behavior, & immunity - healthNov 1, 2026

Latest

2 papers in 12 months

Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - HealthNov 1

Perceived stress was not linked to shingles risk overall

Among 99,686 participants, comparing the highest and lowest stress quarters gave a hazard ratio—a measure of relative risk over time—of 1.00.Among 99,686 participants, comparing the highest and lowest stress quarters gave a hazard ratio—a measure of relative risk over time—of 1.00.

Cohort · 99,686 peopleHerpes zoster