Imagine living in constant fear that a painful condition could upend your daily life, forcing you to miss work, social events, or even land you in the hospital for weeks. This is the stark reality for millions of adults worldwide who worry about shingles, a condition often overlooked until it’s too late. GSK’s recent global survey, released to mark Shingles Action Week (February 23 to March 1), reveals a startling truth: 78% of adults fear shingles could disrupt their lives, while 72% worry about prolonged hospital stays. Yet, here’s the part most people miss: despite these concerns, 54% have never discussed shingles with their healthcare provider.
The survey, which polled over 6,000 adults aged 50 and older across 10 countries, sheds light on a critical gap in awareness. Among those living with chronic conditions—a group already at higher risk—42% reported severe pain from shingles that derailed their daily routines, and 33% said it prevented them from working or socializing. But here’s where it gets controversial: while shingles can affect up to one in three adults globally, many remain unaware of the link between chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney failure and an increased risk of severe shingles. For instance, clinical studies show that diabetes raises shingles risk by 38%, yet nearly half of respondents (46%) didn’t know their chronic condition could make them more vulnerable.
Prof Zamberi Sekawi, President of the Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy (MSIDC), emphasizes, ‘Shingles is rarely discussed during routine check-ups, especially for older adults managing other health issues. It’s crucial to raise awareness and empower at-risk individuals to talk about prevention, including vaccination, with their doctors.’ This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director at GSK Malaysia, who adds, ‘Many adults manage their chronic conditions diligently but overlook how these conditions weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to shingles.’
In Malaysia alone, over two million adults live with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension, yet only one in four understands the impact of these conditions on their immune system. Is this lack of awareness a ticking time bomb? The survey suggests so, urging public health initiatives to reframe shingles as a critical part of healthy aging conversations. After all, if knowledge is power, shouldn’t we be arming ourselves with the facts before it’s too late?
What’s your take? Do you think shingles is discussed enough in healthcare settings? Or is this a conversation we’re all avoiding? Let’s debate in the comments—your perspective could spark the change we need.
