56% Indians over the age of 50 who are not aware of a painful viral infection, although it is exposed to a high risk

Hyderabad: Schindeln (Herpes Zoster) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash with bubbles. It is caused by Varicella Zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovered from chickenpox, the virus stays resting in the nervous system and can reactivate and cause shingles years later.

A global survey recently carried out by GSK India, which was published during Shingles Awareness Week (February 24th – March 2, 2025), has resulted in the lack of awareness in India. Around 56% of those surveyed over the age of 50 replied that they have no understanding of shingles, although 90% of them have the resting virus in their body.

The initial symptoms include pain, tingling or burning in a certain area on one side of the body. Within a few days, a red rash appears in this area, followed by liquid -filled bubbles that crack and outperform. The rash lasts 2-4 weeks and covers a side of the body, apart from the head, legs and hands.

In old age endangered age

The shingles are common in older adults, since the ability of the immune system to protect people from the shingles decreases due to increased age, stress, chronic diseases and treatment.

Dr. Shalini Menon, medical director at GSK India, said: “With age, our natural ability to combat diseases is reduced and makes us more susceptible to various diseases such as shingles. If aging is combined with chronic diseases, this risk increases. However, the survey shows that a significant part of the over 50 people of these risks that are worrying are still not aware of it. ”

Although it is not life -threatening, it can be very painful and lead to complications, including posterpetic neuralgia, which can lead to persistent nerve pain that is continued according to the rash.

Lack of awareness of perceived and actual health

In addition to the awareness of belt rose, the survey also showed the lack of awareness of health and behavior among Indians over 50 years.

More than half (55.7%) of the respondents over the age of 50 feel younger than their actual age, while 24% information, a decade of younger and only 25% of the age -related illnesses to be very aware of and take proactive steps to take the To limit effects.

“This gap between perceived healthcare and real health management shows a trend in question, since the lack of proactive care can increase the susceptibility to age -related diseases, including infectious diseases such as shingles. It underlines the urgent need for greater awareness and measures to promote healthy aging practices, ”says the survey report.

Around 61% of the survey participants stated that they had chronic diseases such as diabetes, COPD, asthma, heart disease or kidney problems. Only about 49.8% of Indian respondents showed concern about the development of shingles.

Frequent precautions proposed

In view of the risk of shingles over 50 years, especially under the underlying conditions, prevention becomes essential than healing.

Maintaining a healthy diet, regular movement, the early detection of symptoms, timely health examinations and the decision to vaccinate can help to prevent. The development of early consciousness and through proactive steps between the population in need of protection can be achieved long -term health results for the aging population.

Vaccines can prevent shingles

A vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for adults aged 50 and over to prevent shingles. Treatment includes antiviral drugs to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of complications as well as pain treatment through various medication and treatments.

While shingles do not spread to others, someone with active shingles can transmit the virus to people who had no chickenpox, which causes chickenpox.