Marty Whelan, ambassador for GSK is taking part in a new Understanding Shingles campaign and is urging all over 50's to get informed on shingles. The aim is to make sure people know the risks shingles can have and tackle any misconceptions people may have on it. It also encourages those at risk to speak to their local doctor.
Up to one in three people will develop shingles at some point in their life, which can lead to long term nerve pain. A new study from GSK Ireland found that over a quarter of people didn't know you can develop shingles twice, and 42% of people didn't know someone can develop blindness as a complication from shingles. Over 40% of people also believed shingles can be contagious. Nearly 60% of respondents also believed that shingles would have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life.
One in three people who developed chickenpox in their lifetime are at risk of developing shingles. The disease typically presents as a rash with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face, and is described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like. Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN ), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks, months or years. PHN happens in around 20% of all shingles cases, with the over-50s particularly at risk.
Ambassador for GSK Marty Whelan said, "As we age, our immune system naturally weakens, and we become more vulnerable to conditions like shingles. Working on this Understanding Shingles campaign has been eye opening for me as I was totally unaware of how debilitating the condition can be. That’s why creating more awareness about shingles is essential. So I’m appealing to everyone over the age of 50 and to those over 18 with a weakened immune system to take the time to make themselves aware of factors that put them at risk of shingles, as well as the signs and symptoms of shingles."
Marty Whelan will feature in a radio advertisement for the Understanding Shingles campaign, and GSK Ireland are also running their campaign across television and outdoor advertisements.
For information visit www.understandingshingles.ie
