Shingles Awareness Week (24 Feb – 2 Mar)

New research reveals gaps in Aussie risk knowledge: It’s estimated that by the age of 40, more than 97% of Australians carry the inactive virus that causes shingles from a previous chickenpox infection.

The virus stays in your body for the rest of your life. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.

However, alarming new research reveals over a quarter (26%) of Australians aged 50-79 do not recall previously having chickenpox and are at risk of shingles, without being aware of this risk.

In fact, over a third (36%) of Aussies don’t know that one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, and over a quarter (26%) don’t believe adults over 50 are likely to develop shingles.

Whilst it  isn’t life-threatening, it can be very painful. Shingles can occur anywhere on your body. It typically looks like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around the left side or the right side of your torso.

Vaccines can help lower the risk of shingles. Early treatment may shorten a shingles infection and lessen the chance of complications. The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia. This is a painful condition that causes shingles pain for a long time after your blisters have cleared.

Whether you have a history of chickenpox or not, everyone 50 years or older should receive a shingles vaccine unless otherwise discussed with your healthcare provider. Adults under age 50 who are immuno-compromised may also be eligible.

Protect yourself and others around you from shingles by getting both doses of the shingles vaccine. This Shingles Awareness Week, talk to your healthcare provider today about scheduling your two vaccination appointments.