Shingles & Chronic Illness: Risks, Awareness & Prevention for Adults 50+ | GSK Survey
KUALA LUMPUR, — A new global survey reveals a significant gap between public concern about shingles and proactive conversations with healthcare providers regarding prevention, particularly among adults with chronic health conditions. The findings, released during Shingles Action Week ( to ), indicate that over 78 percent of adults worry shingles may disrupt their daily lives and 72 percent fear potential long-term hospitalization. However, more than half (54 percent) haven’t yet discussed shingles with their doctor.
The survey, commissioned and funded by GSK, encompassed over 6,000 adults aged 50 and over across 10 countries. It highlights a critical need for increased public health education about shingles risk, especially for individuals managing chronic illnesses, who are at heightened risk of complications.
Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus responsible for chickenpox – affects an estimated one in three adults during their lifetime. The risk and severity of shingles increase with age, as the immune system naturally weakens. However, underlying chronic health conditions can further compromise immunity, making individuals even more susceptible to the painful and debilitating effects of the disease.
“Shingles is often not discussed during routine or specialist health appointments, particularly for adults aged 50 and over who are already managing ongoing health concerns,” explains Prof. Zamberi Sekawi, president of the Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy (MSIDC). “Shingles can cause severe pain and long-term complications that may significantly affect quality of life. In conjunction with Shingles Action Week, MSIDC hopes to raise greater awareness and encourage at-risk adults to feel confident in discussing shingles and preventive options, including vaccination, with their health care provider.”
The survey data reveals that among those who have experienced shingles, a substantial proportion (42 percent) reported severe pain that significantly interfered with their daily routines. A third (33 percent) were forced to take time off work or curtail social activities due to the illness.
The link between chronic illnesses and increased shingles risk is becoming increasingly clear. Clinical studies have demonstrated that cardiovascular disease increases shingles risk by 34 percent, while diabetes elevates the risk by 38 percent. Globally, adults with chronic heart failure, diabetes, and renal failure are particularly vulnerable to severe shingles reactivation.
Despite these elevated risks, awareness remains low. The survey found that one in four (25 percent) incorrectly believe their chronic health condition doesn’t impact their immune system or their risk of developing shingles. Nearly half (46 percent) are unaware that their chronic condition may increase their risk of experiencing severe shingles.
“Many adults know that their chronic health condition requires regular management but may not realize how it can also affect their immune system,” says Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director at GSK Malaysia. “As our immunity naturally declines with age, conditions like diabetes and kidney disease can affect the immune system. Other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, COPD or asthma, also significantly increase the risk of developing shingles. Understanding these risk factors is an important step in prioritizing shingles as part of the healthy ageing conversation.”
In Malaysia, the impact of chronic diseases is substantial. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, over two million adults are living with diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or obesity. These conditions not only contribute to a higher overall risk of shingles but also potentially lead to more severe complications.
The findings underscore the need to reframe shingles awareness as an essential component of routine care for adults aged 50 and over, particularly those with pre-existing chronic health conditions. Greater public health education is crucial to address misconceptions about shingles transmission – a common belief is that shingles is contagious like the flu, which is incorrect – and to encourage proactive discussions with healthcare providers about risk factors and preventative measures.
The survey results highlight a clear message: shingles is not simply an age-related ailment, but a potentially serious health concern that demands attention, especially for those managing chronic illnesses. Open communication with healthcare professionals is vital for assessing individual risk and exploring appropriate preventative strategies.