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New Delhi: More than 80 percent of Indian adults above the age of 50 lack understanding of shingles and its lifetime risk, according to a global report released during Shingles Awareness Week. The report, conducted by drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline, sheds light on the concerning lack of awareness surrounding this painful condition among vulnerable age groups.
The survey, which included 3,500 adults aged 50 and above from 12 countries, including India, highlights a significant gap in knowledge about shingles and its risks. Globally, 86 percent of respondents underestimated the risk of developing shingles, indicating a widespread lack of awareness about the disease’s prevalence and impact.
In India, the survey encompassed 500 participants, with 250 respondents speaking Hindi and another 250 speaking English. The results revealed that 81 percent of English-speaking participants and 86 percent of Hindi-speaking participants underestimated the risk of shingles. Furthermore, a significant number of respondents were found to be unaware of the symptoms associated with this painful condition.
Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), manifests as a rash with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen, or face. As individuals age, their immune response to infection weakens, increasing their susceptibility to shingles.
Dr. Rashmi Hegde, Executive Vice President – Medical Affairs at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, India, emphasized the need to raise awareness about shingles among adults over 50. Dr. Hegde highlighted the significant disruption shingles can cause in the daily lives of aging adults, leading to discomfort and distress.
“In this Shingles Awareness Week, we encourage everyone to talk to their doctor about this agonizing condition and how to prevent it,” Dr. Hegde stated, stressing the importance of proactive measures to address and mitigate the impact of shingles on individuals’ health and well-being.
The survey findings underscore the urgent need for targeted awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to ensure that individuals, especially those at higher risk, are equipped with the knowledge to recognize and address shingles effectively. As the prevalence of shingles continues to pose a significant health challenge, raising awareness and promoting preventive measures remain crucial in safeguarding public health.
