Global survey shows most people over 50 in India unaware of shingles disease, despite being at risk

Global survey reveals limited awareness of shingles among adults over 50, highlighting age-related health risks and complications.

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.

Globally, only 44% of respondents had some familiarity with shingles. Released at the start of Shingles Awareness Week (February 24 – March 2, 2025), the survey findings highlight limited awareness of age-related health risks, particularly among individuals with pre-existing health conditions. 

Conducted by Ipsos, on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd., a global healthcare company, the global online research involved 8,400 adults aged between 50 years and 60 years, including 500 respondents from India.

In India, 61% of survey participants reported living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (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. 

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles is a painful disease that can have serious and long-lasting complications. By age 50, most adults will have the VZV dormant in their nervous system, and may reactivate with advancing age. 

Ansar Ahmed, Karnataka’s Project Director, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), said as people age, the strength of the immune response to infection decreases, increasing the risk of developing shingles. 

“Shingles typically present as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face. The pain is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like. 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. PHN is the most common complication of shingles, occurring in 5-30% of all shingles cases depending on the individual’s age,” he said.