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. 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.
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 When ageing is combined with chronic conditions, this risk increases Yet, the survey reveals that a significant portion of people over 50 remain unaware of these risks, which is concerning. 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. By fostering early awareness and taking proactive steps, we can significantly improve long-term health outcomes for our ageing population.”