Shingles: What You Need to Know – News18
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The India Shingles Awareness Survey 2025 found that while 44% of participants over 50 in India live with a chronic condition, only half recognize their increased susceptibility to shingles
Shingles made headlines when Hollywood actor Harrison Ford had to step down as an Oscars presenter due to the illness
Shingles is a painful viral disease that predominantly affects people over the age of 50. Many of my patients refer to it as ‘sarpasuttu’, a local Kannada term describing its snake-like rash. Some have even shared how the sudden changes in their skin are frightening to witness. Dr Prashant C. Dheerendra, DM – Nephrology (PGI, Chandigarh), MD, General Medicine, Chief Nephrologist, Dharma Kidney Care, shares insights on shingles.
Recently, shingles made headlines when Hollywood actor Harrison Ford had to step down as an Oscars presenter due to the illness. His case has sparked conversations about a condition that, despite affecting millions worldwide, often goes unnoticed. Shingles can be debilitating, with recovery ranging from days to months.
What Causes Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. If immunity weakens, the virus can reactivate, leading to shingles. Several factors contribute to weakened immunity, including ageing, diabetes, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cancer.
The India Shingles Awareness Survey 2025 found that while 44% of participants over 50 in India live with a chronic condition, only half recognize their increased susceptibility to shingles. Alarmingly, more than 90% of adults over 50 in India already have the virus in their system, yet over half of them know little to nothing about the disease. This is why I urge everyone over 50—and their loved ones—to talk to their doctors about shingles and how to protect themselves.
Symptoms of Shingles
Shingles typically begins with a painful rash on one side of the body, most commonly on the chest, back, or face. The pain is often excruciating, likened to labour pain or post-surgical pain. In some cases, pain precedes the rash, leading to misdiagnoses of other conditions such as a heart attack or kidney stones. One of my patients initially believed she had appendicitis due to severe pain.
The rash lasts between three to five weeks, appearing as clusters of reddish fluid-filled blisters. These blisters eventually burst, forming crusts before healing.
Complications of Shingles
Even after the rash heals, some individuals continue to experience pain for months or even years—a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN is particularly common and severe in adults over 50. I recall a patient who suffered from PHN for over 20 years, significantly impacting his quality of life. Another patient, after enduring intense pain, ensured her office staff got vaccinated to prevent them from experiencing the same ordeal.
For diabetic patients, shingles can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, sometimes requiring medication adjustments. Recent studies suggest that shingles may also increase the risk of stroke. In rare cases, shingles can cause serious complications such as blindness, hearing loss, or weakness in the hands and legs (paresis).
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Individuals over 50 can take proactive measures to maintain their immune health. However, the India Shingles Awareness Survey 2025 highlights a concerning fact—only 25% of participants in this age group are aware of age-related diseases and take preventive steps.
The most crucial step is to consult a doctor about protection against shingles, including available vaccines. Vaccination can strengthen the ageing immune system, reducing the likelihood of shingles and its associated complications.
Additionally, I advise my patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits:
Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to support immune function.
Engage in regular physical activity to maintain overall health and enhance immune response.
By taking these precautions, individuals can lower their risk of developing shingles and its debilitating effects. Awareness and prevention are key—speak to your doctor and take control of your health today.
