Most people over 50 in India unaware of shingles disease, despite being at risk¹
- The International Federation on Ageing advocates for the positive perception of ageing, but urges a greater understanding of age-related diseases2
- Survey data released today for Shingles Awareness Week 2025 renews call for further public health education on shingles and its impact
Mumbai, 24th February 2025: A new global survey shows that 56.6% of Indian participants aged 50 and above know little to nothing about shingles, although more than 90% of adults above 50 years have this virus in their body and are vulnerable. 1,3,4 Globally, only 44% of respondents had some familiarity with shingles.1 Launched at the start of Shingles Awareness Week (24 February - 2 March 2025), the survey findings highlight limited awareness of age-related health risks, particularly among individuals with pre-existing health conditions. In India, 61% of survey participants reported living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, asthma, cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease. However, only 49.8% express significant concern about developing shingles. On a global level, 54% of participants had chronic conditions, but only 13% expressed significant concern about shingles. 1
Dr Shalini Menon, Medical Director at GSK India, said: "As we age, our natural ability to fight disease diminishes, making us more susceptible to various diseases like shingles.5 When ageing is combined with chronic conditions, this risk increases.6 Yet, the survey reveals that a significant portion of people over 50 remain unaware of these risks, which is concerning.1 It is essential for ageing people to understand the impact of ageing on their health, recognise these risks and adopt preventive measures. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, recognising symptoms early, undergoing timely health screenings, and discussing vaccination options with their healthcare providers.7,8,9,10 By fostering early awareness and taking proactive steps, we can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for our ageing population."
The survey also revealed a notable contrast in health awareness and behaviour among Indians aged 50 and above. 1 While more than half (55.7%) of respondents in this age group feel younger than their actual age, with 24% feeling a decade younger, only 25% are very aware of age-related diseases and take proactive steps to limit the impact. 1 This gap between perceived health and actual health management highlights a concerning trend, as the lack of proactive care may increase vulnerability to age-related conditions, including infectious diseases such as shingles. It underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action to promote healthy ageing practices.11 The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) has also emphasised the importance of those aged 50 and above actively monitoring their health and well-being, especially as their immune systems naturally weaken with age. 2
About Shingles Awareness Week
Shingles Awareness Week (24 February - 2 March 2025) is an annual global awareness week dedicated to addressing the lack of knowledge about the risks and severity of shingles. In collaboration with the International Federation on Ageing (IFA), Shingles Awareness Week was set up to encourage informed conversations between adults, particularly if aged 50 and over, and their healthcare professionals about shingles.2
About shingles
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. 3, 12 Shingles is a painful disease that can have serious and long-lasting complications. 3 By age 50, most adults will have the VZV dormant in their nervous system, and may reactivate with advancing age. 12 As people age, the strength of the immune system response to infection decreases, increasing the risk of developing shingles.3
Shingles typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face.3 The pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like. 3 Following the rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and can occasionally persist for several years. 3 PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in 5-30% of all shingles cases depending on the individual’s age. 13Shingles may also affect the eyes, with loss of vision occurring in rare cases. Additionally, shingles has been linked to serious complications such as heart attack or stroke. 3, 14, 15
Shingles Awareness Week 2025 Global Survey
The Shingles Awareness Week Global Survey was conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of GSK.1 The online research involved 8,400 adults aged 50-60, including 500 respondents from India. Additional countries surveyed included: Brazil, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and USA. The survey was undertaken in 10 languages.1
This survey was developed to explore perceptions of ageing in adults aged 50-60, and their understanding of how age-related decline in immune function may affect their bodies' ability to protect them from infection and disease, like shingles. Data was collated from 10 questions covering shingles awareness, age-related decline in immunity, chronic conditions and healthy ageing. Participants committed to full transparency regarding data monitoring and the use of their anonymised data.1
About GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited is a subsidiary of GSK plc, a science-led global healthcare company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Visit GSK-India.com for more information.
Disclaimer: A public awareness initiative by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited, Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India. Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for medical advice or any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. Please consult your doctor for the complete list of vaccine-preventable diseases and the complete vaccination schedule for each disease. The views and opinions of the Health Care Professional in this material are their own and does not reflect those of GSK. Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies. All scientific information is validated, for details write to us on askus@gsk.com.
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1 [Placeholder: IPSOS on behalf of GSK. Shingles Awareness Week 2025 Survey (Brazil, China, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Portugal, and USA). Data on file. 2025].
2 Why we're introducing Shingles Awareness Week | GSK International Federation on Ageing on LinkedIn: #shinglesawarenessweek
3 Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008 Jun 6;57(RR-5):1-30; quiz CE2-4. PMID: 18528318.
4 Age related seroprevalence of antibodies to varicella in India
5 Nikolich-Žugich, J. The twilight of immunity: emerging concepts in aging of the immune system. Nat Immunol 19, 10–19 (2018)
6 Steinmann M, et al. Risk factors for herpes zoster infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis unveiling common trends and heterogeneity patterns. Infection. 2024 Jun;52(3):1009-1026
7 Nutritional Considerations for Healthy Aging and Reduction in Age-Related Chronic Disease
8 The compelling link between physical activity and the body's defense system
9 In brief: Benefits and risks of screening tests
10 Vaccinations and Older Adults | National Institute on Aging
11 ACP
12 Mueller, N.H., et al. Varicella zoster virus infection: clinical features, molecular pathogenesis of disease, and latency. Neurologic clinics. 2008;26(3):675-97.
13 Kawai, K., et al. Systematic review of incidence and complications of herpes zoster: towards a global perspective. BMJ open. 2014;4(6).
14 Volpi, A. Severe complications of herpes zoster. Herpes. 2007;14 Suppl 2:35-9.
15 Shingles associated with increased risks for cardiovascular disease | NHLBI, NIH
