GLAXOSMITHKLINE Australia is sponsoring a shingles awareness campaign to increase understanding of the impact of shingles and address common misconceptions surrounding it.
Shingles Awareness Week starts today, and highlights the stories of its ambassadors, journalist Shelly Horton, former AFL player Robert 'Dipper' DiPierdomenico and news presenter Deborah Knight, who have experienced first-hand the pain and impact of shingles.
Monika Boogs, CEO of Painaustralia, says that the pain of shingles is often described by people as some of the worst they have ever experienced.
"Shingles is often more than just a rash," Boogs said.
"The pain from shingles can disrupt sleep, mood, work and daily activities and impact quality of life.
"For some people, it can cause long-term issues with eyesight or chronic nerve pain leading to long-term discomfort."
Professor Tony Cunningham from the University of Sydney suggests that Australians aged 50 and over should not underestimate their shingles risk even if they don't recall having had chickenpox.
"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," he said.
"As you get older, there is a decline in your immune system that can leave you susceptible to the reactivation of this virus, which causes shingles."
People aged over 50 are being urged to talk to their doctor about their risk of shingles.
GSK's Shingrix vaccine is available on the NIP to First Nations people aged 50 and other people 65.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Feb 25
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