A global survey conducted by Ipsos for GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd revealed that 56.6% of Indian participants aged 50 and above are unaware of shingles, despite over 90% of adults in this age group carrying the virus.

About Shingles Disease

• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash or blisters on the skin.
• The risk of shingles increases with age and is most common in people over 50 years.

Caused By

• Shingles is caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
• After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
• A weakened immune system due to aging, stress, or chronic illnesses increases the risk of reactivation.

Symptoms

• A severe complication  is Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can persist for months or years.
• Transmission: Shingles is not contagious, but the Varicella-Zoster Virus can spread to individuals who have never had chickenpox.
  • If exposed, the person will develop chickenpox, not shingles.
  • The risk of transmission is highest when blisters are open and not yet scabbed over.

Prevention: Shingrix vaccine is available and highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications.

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