Why Aussies over 50 are being urged to take shingles seriously

Why Aussies over 50 are being urged to take shingles seriously

New research reveals many Australians over 50 underestimate their shingles risk.

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, because as we age, particularly after 50, our immune system naturally declines.

are other risk factors for shingles.

Learn the signs, symptoms and how to protect your health.

Author summary: Aussies over 50 are urged to take shingles seriously due to increased risk.

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Starts at 60 Starts at 60 — 2025-10-14

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