Health x Wellness
Shingles Awareness Week 2025: Highlighting the Risks for Older Adults and People with Diabetes
A recent study has revealed alarming statistics about the risks associated with shingles, or herpes zoster, a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
According to the study, individuals who have had shingles are at a 59 percent higher risk of heart attack and a 35 percent higher risk of stroke compared to those who have not experienced the infection. Furthermore, another study reports that people with diabetes are at least three times more likely to be hospitalised due to shingles than those without diabetes.
Shingles primarily affects individuals aged 50 years or over, due to the natural decline in immunity with age. The risk increases even further for those with chronic health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
In Singapore, a significant portion of the older population has had chickenpox, with nine out of ten adults aged 50 years or over reporting previous infection. Additionally, 85 percent of the country’s older adults live with at least one chronic health condition, and 45 percent have been diagnosed with three or more. The most common chronic conditions include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, joint pain or arthritis, high blood sugar or diabetes, and renal or urinary tract ailments.
Ageing patients with comorbidities are more susceptible to infections, and when shingles occurs, it can lead to prolonged healing times, increased nerve pain, and even heightened cardiovascular risks.
Dr. Sue-Anne Ee Shiow Toh, Endocrinologist and CEO of NOVI Health, emphasised the severe impact of shingles on individuals with chronic health conditions
People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable, with a 30 percent higher risk of contracting shingles compared to those without diabetes. If they do contract the infection, they are at least three times more likely to be hospitalised due to complications.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that already presents many health challenges. The additional risk of shingles and its complications is something that many people with diabetes may not be aware of.
Mr. Satyaprakash Tiwari, Executive Director of Diabetes Singapore, highlighted the additional challenges faced by people with diabetes
During the recent Shingles Awareness Week, GSK has partnered with Diabetes Singapore to raise awareness about the risks of shingles for people with diabetes. The campaign aims to share experiences of those who have had shingles, such as Mr. Lionel L., a businessman from Singapore who contracted the disease at the age of 56.
Many people are unaware of the risks associated with shingles, such as increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and hospitalisation. Raising awareness, especially amongst Singaporeans aged 50 years or over, is a key step towards protecting them from shingles and related complications.
Raakhi Sippy, General Manager of GSK Singapore, stressed the importance of awareness.
For more information on shingles and the Shingles Awareness Week campaign, visit Shingles Awareness Week Campaign.
Picture credit to GSK and Diabetes Singapore.
