GSK Australia recently commissioned a survey which has cast a spotlight on the lack of awareness surrounding shingles. The survey included a sample group of 300 Australians, aged 50-79, and has uncovered incorrect misconceptions and knowledge gaps among surveyed participants, including the perception that having had chickenpox and leading a healthy lifestyle, results in a low risk of shingles. Shingles is a painful and potentially debilitating condition triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, usually during adulthood; and those who have had chickenpox already carry the virus that causes shingles. Some 43% of participants did not consider shingles would have an ‘extremely negative’ impact on their quality of life if they were to get it. Health expert in geriatric medicine, A/Prof Michael Woodward (pictured below), encouraged families to have open conversations with their pharmacists to understand and raise awareness about how painful and debilitating shingles can be. “As we get older, especially when we reach 50, we’re more likely to become unwell,” commented Woodward. “The last thing we need is to have the burden of shingles on top of other health challenges. “It is also common these days for many Australians over 50, who are working part-time or retired, to be playing a role in the care of their grandchildren. “Developing shingles means grandparents wouldn’t be in a position to help, not just for the duration of the disease but potentially for a longer period of time if they were to develop complications, and this can impact the whole family.” Shingles also comes with the risk of post-disease complications like post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can result in persistent nerve pain that can last for months or years after the initial shingles rash has resolved. The incidence of PHN increases with age, ranging from approximately 10% in people aged 50 to 59 years old up to 20% in those aged over 80 years. The GSK-sponsored survey found that around a third of respondents who were aware of the risk of shingles fail to recognise pain, burning, numbness or tingling on one part of the body as a symptom when prompted. Former shingles sufferer, Karin (surname withheld), aged 60, reflected on her experience and the impact it had on her quality of life. “It was the worst thing I’ve ever had,” she said. “It really disrupted my life for a long period of time.” Another recent survey conducted by the Immunisation Coalition, which included over 23,500 Australians revealed that just over a quarter of respondents did not believe that shingles can have an important impact on their health. Shingles is more than just a rash; and with the GSK survey noting the misunderstandings among those surveyed about the burden of the disease, the company is urging all Australians to start conversations with their family and friends about their risk of developing shingles. If people are aged 50 or over, they should speak with their healthcare professional or pharmacist about shingles. JG