Are You Aware of Your Shingles Risk?

London-based GSK recently announced 'Shingles Awareness Week,' the first-ever global awareness week dedicated to shingles and the increased risk of developing shingles amongst adults.

Jointly led by GSK and the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), the week of Feb. 28 – Mar. 6, 2022, has been positioned to encourage conversations between seniors and their healthcare professionals about shingles and preventative efforts that can curb the rate of shingles.

Jane M Barratt, Ph.D., Secretary-General, IFA, commented in a press release issued on Feb. 27, 2022, "As a global advocate for aging populations, we are delighted to collaborate on this worldwide effort to increase awareness of shingles and help adults understand the risks and complications associated with this painful disease."

Over 90% of adults above the age of 50 already carry the virus that causes shingles.

Moreover, over 30% of adults will develop shingles in their lifetime.

Yet, a global survey found on average, 7% of these older adults believe they are at high risk of developing shingles.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of latent chickenpox virus, varicella-zoster virus.

Shingles typically presents as a painful, itchy rash that develops on one side of the body.

Shingles complications can include:

• Post-herpetic neuralgia – a persistent neuropathic pain,
• Herpes zoster ophthalmicus - includes vision loss, scarring, stroke, secondary infection, and nerve palsies.

Shingles is a vaccine-preventable disease.

GSK's Shingrix is the preferred vaccine in the U.S., while Merck's Zostavax vaccine is available globally. 

GSK is a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose: to help people do more, feel better, live longer. For further information, please visit https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/about-us/.