Shingles Disease

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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