Shingles Awareness Week 2026: 4 experts on pain, blisters, and why adults over 50 need vaccination

Symptoms of shingles: Shingles triggers inflammation that can irritate blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes (Image: Canva)

• Shingles risk rises in India's ageing population, say doctors
• Vaccination and prevention urged for adults over 50
• Chronic illnesses increase severity and complications of shingles

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As India’s population grows older, one childhood virus is making a painful return. Shingles, caused by the chickenpox virus, affects adults over 50 more severely, especially those with chronic illnesses. Shingles Awareness Week highlights the need for prevention, vaccination, and talking to your doctor.

Shingles, or herpes zoster, starts with a rash but can cause severe nerve pain that lingers long after the blisters disappear. The virus stays in the body after chickenpox and can reactivate when immunity weakens with age. Older adults are more likely to have severe outbreaks, which can affect sleep, mobility, and daily life.

What is shingles?

Shingles is more than a rash; it can disrupt life and worsen existing health problems. “More than 90 per cent of adults over 50 in India carry the chickenpox virus. As immunity declines, it can reactivate as shingles,” Dr Monalisa Sahu, Infectious Diseases Consultant, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad, tells Moneycontrol. “Many think it’s a mild rash, but it can be very painful. Vaccination and talking to your doctor can reduce the risk,” she warns.

Also read | Shingles vaccine could protect your brain from dementia and cognitive decline, says study

Chronic illnesses make the problem worse. “People with diabetesoften focus on blood sugar, diet, and medication, but high blood sugar weakens the immune system,” explains Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, Mumbai. “This makes them more vulnerable to shingles and its complications. Prevention should be part of regular care, including vaccination,” he adds.

India’s ageing population adds urgency

By 2050, over 319 million Indians will be 60 or older. Many also have heart disease, which can appear earlier than in other populations. Dr Nagesh Waghmare, Cardiologist, Bombay Hospital, warns: “Shingles triggers inflammation that can irritate blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Vaccination can help protect cardiovascular health.”

Also read | Shingles and cardiovascular risk: How a childhood virus can cause heart problems in later life

Shingles can also affect kidneys, along with your over-all well-being. “For patients with chronic kidney disease, shingles can worsen health and lead to physical, social, and emotional challenges,” says Dr Sanjeev Gulati, Nephrologist, Fortis Hospitals, NCR. “India needs a preventive approach, including adult vaccination, to help older adults stay healthy,” the expert adds.

Awareness, prevention, and vaccination are essential for adults over 50, suggest the doctors. All experts agree that by taking these steps, ageing adults in India can protect their independence, manage chronic conditions, and enjoy healthier, more comfortable later years.

FAQs on What is Shingles?

1. What causes shingles?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster), which remains dormant in the body after a childhood infection.

2. Who is at risk for shingles?

Adults over 50, especially those with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses like diabetes, are at higher risk.

3. What are the symptoms of shingles?

Shingles begins with a painful rash and can lead to severe nerve pain, affecting sleep and daily activities.

4. Can shingles cause complications?

Yes, shingles can lead to complications such as inflammation of blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and worsen conditions like chronic kidney disease.

5. How can shingles be prevented?

Vaccination and regular consultations with a doctor can reduce the risk and severity of shingles, especially in older adults.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.