Awareness gap on shingles leaves many vulnerable

An estimated 97 per cent of Australians carry the inactive virus that causes singles by the age of 40, but 36 per cent of adults are unaware that one in three people will develop the condition in their lifetime.

New research, commissioned by healthcare company GSK Australia, suggests a significant proportion of Australians aged between 50 and 79 have limited understanding of their risk of developing shingles.

A viral infection, shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox earlier in life, and can cause a painful rash, fever and headache, among other symptoms.

But almost a quarter (24 per cent) of adults don’t believe or understand that they can develop shingles if they’ve had chickenpox, and 26 per cent do not recall previously having chickenpox and are therefore unaware they are at risk of developing the condition.

Centre of Virus Research director Professor Tony Cunningham said the risk of developing the condition increased with age, as the immune system naturally weakens.

“It’s a particularly painful condition. The pain that occurs first up can be as serve as childbirth… and can be associated with depression and with reduced quality of life,” he said.

“The rash itself can be particularly unpleasant, particularly if it gets onto the face, around the eyes and into the hair.”

TV presenter and shingles awareness ambassador Shelly Horton has experienced the impact of shingles first-hand.

“I experienced shingles during a very stressful time of my life. A huge spread of tiny blisters appeared on my right inner thigh, which left me in excruciating pain, and I felt completely debilitated,” she said.

Ms Horton shared that since her own experience, several other loved ones had also been affected, including her mother and father-in-law, and she now understood that shingles is common in people 50 and over.

“My mum had shingles, which caused a rash across her torso. It was so painful she couldn’t even drive or sit on the couch to watch TV.

“One of mum’s friends got shingles in her eye, which could have affected her sight.

“My father-in-law also had shingles at my wedding…with a rash across his back. He was in a lot of pain and afraid of the rash being aggravated.

“While everyone else continued celebrating, he became bed bound.”

Professor Cunningham advised Australians aged 50 and over not to underestimate their risk of developing the condition and warned that even healthy people are at risk.

“If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in your body,” Professor Cunningham said.

“Almost all Australians have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember having it or were asymptomatic, and so are at risk of shingles as they carry the inactive virus.

“Speak to your doctor to understand your risk of shingles and encourage loved ones who are older to do the same.”

For more information about shingles, speak to a healthcare professional and head to knowshingles.com.au