Why Aussies over 50 are being urged to take shingles seriously
New research reveals many Australians over 50 underestimate their shingles risk. Australians are being encouraged to take shingles seriously, with new research revealing that many underestimate the risk this painful condition poses to their health and overall wellbeing.
Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox (also known as the varicella zoster virus), resulting in a painful, blistering skin rash.
- It’s a disease that can affect anyone, at any age who has had chickenpox, but it is most common in people 50 years of age and older.
- The risk of developing shingles increases as we get older.
- Other risk factors for shingles include having a weakened immune system or contracting chickenpox in the first year of life.
Australians over 50 should learn the signs, symptoms and how to protect their health.
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Author summary: Aussies over 50 urged to take shingles seriously due to increased risk.