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. This is because as we age, particularly after 50, our immune system naturally declines. Other risk factors for shingles include having a weakened immune system or contracting chickenpox in the first year of life.
Despite the increased risk to older adults, recent research commissioned by GSK Australia reveals that while most Australians aged 50 to 69 are aware of shingles risk factors and its potential impact, many still underestimate their own vulnerability.
While the majority recognise shingles can cause a potentially painful rash (80 per cent) and longer-term complications such as nerve pain (79 per cent), less than half (43 per cent) worry that shingles may potentially disrupt their life and almost a quarter (24 per cent) do not believe it is their responsibility to speak to a doctor about shingles.
Notably, one in three (33 per cent) respondents are not aware that shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
It’s a message that hits home for Australian comedian and television host Julia Morris, who knows firsthand just how disruptive shingles can be. Following her own experience with the condition, Morris is urging Aussies over 50 to understand their risk and take action.
Morris is unveiling a public installation called ‘What’s Your Hidden Health Baggage?’ at Sydney’s Circular Quay on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The installation features 97 bags, representing the 97 per cent of Australians over 40 who already carry the chickenpox virus and are at risk of developing shingles.
“When shingles hit me, I was in the middle of one of the busiest times of my career. The physical toll was immediate and overwhelming — I had a red rash across my torso, an aching body and the most brutal headache,” Morris said.
“I could barely get through a day without collapsing back into bed. Even simple tasks like having a shower left me exhausted and I was completely debilitated for weeks. Shingles wasn’t just painful; it completely altered how I lived and worked.”
Monika Boogs, Chief Executive Officer of Painaustralia, says the impact of shingles is often underestimated.
“Too often, shingles is thought of as ‘just a rash’, when in reality, it can be painful and debilitating. Beyond the visible symptoms, it can disrupt sleep, mood, work and daily activities and potentially affect quality of life. For some people, it can also lead to long-term issues including chronic nerve pain,” said Boogs.
Leading expert Dr Timothy Tan, Cardiologist and Professor at Western Sydney University, says that while awareness of shingles is growing, it’s vital for Australians over 50 to seriously consider their personal risk.
“Almost all Australians have had chickenpox at some stage in life. The virus never really leaves the body, so for most Australians the risk of shingles is very real. Even if you don’t recall having chickenpox, that doesn’t mean you are free from risk,” said Professor Tan.
“As we age, so does our immune system, and it becomes less effective at suppressing the virus, increasing the likelihood of it reactivating as shingles. That’s why it’s so important for Australians, especially who are over the age of 50, to speak with your GP or pharmacist to understand your risk.”
To help reduce the impact on people’s lives and the disruption to everyday activities that shingles can cause, it’s important to understand the signs, symptoms and risk factors for shingles
The shingles rash appears as red blotches on your skin, which can feel itchy and turn into painful blisters that can take several weeks to heal. You may also experience fever, headache, chills, sensitivity to light and touch, an upset stomach and an overall sense of not feeling well.
Shingles usually affects one side of the body or face and can develop on your torso, arms, thighs, or head – including in your eyes or ears. However, most people develop shingles around their chest area and abdomen.
People often describe the pain of shingles as aching, burning, stabbing, or shock-like. As a result, shingles has the potential to impact your ability to do simple, everyday activities like getting dressed, walking, and sleeping. In some cases, people report early symptoms such as pain, itching, tingling or numbness 48-72 hours before the rash develops in the area.
But shingles doesn’t just affect you physically – it can take an emotional toll on you as well. It is debilitating and can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless when you can’t do the things you want to do. It can also have a negative impact on your mood, sleep, mobility and social life.
For more information about shingles, speak to your GP or pharmacist and visit https://www.knowshingles.com.au/test-your-shingles-knowledge to test your shingles knowledge.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.