Manila, Philippines — Health experts join global biopharma company GSK in launching a nationwide awareness campaign to educate the public on shingles. Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox, and anyone exposed to the latter virus may develop the former as it lies dormant in the nerve tissue that can reactivate years later. This campaign raises awareness and prevention, corrects misconceptions, and provides reliable information from healthcare professionals and people who have experienced the disease.
According to dermatologist Dr. Irene Rogredo-Vitas, shingles are often seen first by dermatologists as shingles cause painful skin rashes that often blisters and scabs over 10 – 15 days. Not only that, about 30% of patients experience long-term nerve pain, and one out of four patients can get infected near the eye, leading to blindness in some cases. According to an infectious diseases specialist, Dr. Rontgene Solante, shingles are no ordinary rash; they cause severe pain in a patient’s daily life; their complications lead to higher morbidity as they cause depression, anxiety, and vision impairment. Guest panelist and renowned journalist Karen Davila shared her story to stress the importance of shingles awareness. Dr. Rontgene Solante has debunked the misconception that shingles are a sexually transmitted disease and explains that the virus can reactivate as the immune system declines with age.
For more information on shingles awareness and prevention, visit www.whatisshingles.ph and gsk.com/company.
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