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Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, affects about 30,000 people in Singapore each year. The viral infection, which causes a blistering rash, can strike more than once.<\/p>\n
The risk of developing shingles increases as one ages. Those who have had chickenpox before may develop shingles as their immunity declines.<\/p>\n
In Singapore, more than 90 per cent of adults aged 50 and above carry the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and can later lead to shingles. This means nearly everyone in this age group is at risk.<\/p>\n
A recent shingles awareness tracking survey, conducted by market research firm Ipsos on behalf of biopharmaceutical company GSK, found that two out of three older adults underestimate their personal risk of contracting the disease.<\/p>\n
Only one in four respondents intended to discuss shingles prevention with their doctor within the next three months, according to the survey of 200 adults aged 50 and above in July.<\/p>\n
Doctors warned that shingles is not merely painful \u2013 it can also lead to inflammation linked to serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople think that it’s an inconsequential, mild illness, but shingles does have significant complications,\u201d said family physician Kelvin Goh.<\/p>\n
\u201cPatients with chronic pain suffer for months and even years of persistent hyperesthesia, tingling sensation, burning or even stabbing pain in the area of the shingles virus.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n