Shingles: 56% Indians above 50 years unaware of painful viral infection despite being at high risk

Hyderabad: Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful skin rash with blisters. It is caused by varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate years later, causing shingles.

A recent global survey, held by GSK India released during Shingles Awareness Week (February 24 - March 2, 2025) has revealed the lack of awareness in India. Around 56% of the surveyed individuals above the age of 50 responded that they have no understanding of shingles, despite 90% of them having the dormant virus in their bodies.

The initial symptoms include pain, tingling, or burning in a specific area on one side of the body. Within a few days, a red rash appears in this area, followed by fluid-filled blisters that crack and scab over. Lasting for 2-4 weeks, the rash covers one side of the body, apart from the head, legs, and hands.

Old age people at risk

Shingles are common in older adults, as the ability of the immune system to protect people from shingles reduces due to increased age, stress, chronic conditions, and treatment.

Dr Shalini Menon, Medical Director at GSK India, said, “As we age, our natural ability to fight disease diminishes, making us more susceptible to various diseases like shingles. When aging is combined with chronic conditions, this risk increases. Yet, the survey reveals that a significant portion of people over 50 remain unaware of these risks, which is concerning”.

Though not life-threatening, it can be severely painful and may lead to complications, including postherpetic neuralgia which can result in persistent nerve pain that continues after the rash heals.

Lack of awareness of perceived and actual health

Besides the awareness about shingles, the survey also revealed the lack of awareness of health and behavior among Indians above the age of 50.

More than half (55.7%) of respondents above the age of 50 feel younger than their actual age, while 24% reported feeling a decade younger and only 25% are very aware of age-related diseases and take proactive steps to limit the impact.

“This gap between perceived health and actual health management highlights a concerning trend, as the lack of proactive care may increase vulnerability to age-related conditions, including infectious diseases such as shingles. It underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action to promote healthy aging practices”, the survey report mentioned.

Around 61% of survey participants reported having chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, asthma, heart disease, or kidney problems. Only about 49.8% of Indian respondents showed concern about developing shingles.

Common precautions suggested

Given the risk of shingles above the age of 50, particularly among those with underlying conditions, prevention becomes essential rather than the cure.

Maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, recognizing symptoms early, carrying out timely health screenings, and opting for vaccinations can help in prevention. By developing early awareness and through proactive steps among the vulnerable population, long-term health outcomes for the aging population can be achieved.

Vaccines can prevent Shingles

A vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for adults 50 and older to prevent shingles. The treatment involves antiviral medications to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications, along with pain management through various medications and treatments.

While shingles do not spread to others, someone with active shingles can transmit the virus to people who haven't had chickenpox, causing chickenpox in them.