Experts Advise Filipinos to Take Caution Against Shingles

Together with the multinational biopharmaceutical company GSK, health specialists launched a national awareness campaign to inform people about the severe viral disease known as shingles and its dangers, impacts, and prevention. Shingles are often disregarded, but if left untreated, they can cause major difficulties, especially in elderly persons. At age 50.1, the likelihood of developing shingles increases significantly. After attending their event, we acquired a lot of information about shingles and how it affects people who have this kind. It is such an informed move for them to educate people and to take such measures to prevent its spread.

The varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox, is the cause of shingles, commonly referred to as Herpes Zoster.2 Anyone who has been exposed to the chickenpox virus may acquire shingles because the virus lays dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later.

The campaign seeks to increase public knowledge of the illness, its effects on quality of life, and the significance of seeking medical advice in order to prevent disease. Additionally, the project aims to dispel myths and offer reliable data directly from medical experts and individuals who have personally experienced the illness.

Shingles causes a painful skin rash that often blisters and scabs over in 10 – 15 days.^4-5 According to dermatologist Dr. Irene Robredo-Vitas “karamihan talaga ng may shingles ang unang una talagang nakakakita ay mga dermatologist”.

Beyond a rash, there is a significant chance that shingles can lead to serious complications.⁶ About 30% of patients with shingles will experience long-term nerve pain.⁶ One out of four patients with shingles can get infected near the eye which may lead to blindness in some cases.⁷

According to an infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Rontgene Solante, “shingles is not just an ordinary rash. It has complications that can lead to higher morbidity. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and it can also affect your vision. He further added “a characteristic of shingles is that may tumutubo na mga rashes in one side of the body lang, but the more important characteristic is — ito ay napakasakit. It’s very uncomfortable to the point na yung iba, nahirapan silang mag damit, nahihirapan sila gawin housework nila, daily chores nila because of the severe pain.”

One of the guest panelists, Karen Davila, a renowned journalist and shingles sufferer, shared her story to stress the importance of shingles awareness “I have had it twice. I felt depressed, scared, and honestly ashamed. I would not want anybody to experience that.” 

There are myths and misconceptions surrounding shingles, and one of them is that it is a sexually transmitted disease. According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, “hindi sexually transmitted ang shingles. because the shingles virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When you get older, your immune system goes down and that’s when the chickenpox virus reactivates and can become shingles.”

No matter how healthy an individual feels, when age 50 or older, one is at risk because the immune system declines with age. Thus, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional about shingles prevention today.

Through educational materials written by medical professionals, the shingles awareness campaign aims to educate people everywhere. In addition, this endeavor seeks to debunk misconceptions and offer precise, trustworthy information so that Filipinos can make knowledgeable decisions regarding their health.

For additional information about shingles, see www.whatisshingles.ph and speak with your physician.

Find out more at gsk.com/company