One in three people in Austria will develop shingles in their lifetime. But in the risk group of over-50s, only one in fifty is aware of the risk of the often serious illness, experts said at a press conference in Vienna on Thursday. They recommend vaccination once morest herpes zoster viruses, which cause the painful disease. This can also prevent complications such as nerve paralysis and meningitis.
More than 99 percent of all over 50-year-olds carry such viruses because they were infected with them in their childhood and had wet leaves, according to the media event of the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. A representative survey of more than 300 people in Austria between the ages of 50 and 80 showed that most of them (85 percent) had heard of shingles, but very few (two percent) felt threatened by it, Alexander reported Zeh from the market research institute Ipsos. Internationally, one is “rather on the lower edge”, because in other countries such as Hong Kong (14 percent), Great Britain (eleven percent) and Sweden (ten percent) the risk awareness is higher.
Zeh reported that many people were aware of the possible symptoms of shingles, such as a red rash (80 percent), itching (54 percent), and debilitating pain (49 percent). They also knew of the risk factors, such as a weakened immune system (71 percent) and stress (59 percent). “Most see no personal risk and do not want to do anything regarding it,” he said.
Serious complications possible
The best way to prevent the outbreak is to vaccinate once morest the herpes zoster virus, explained Robert Müllegger from the Department of Dermatology and Venereology at the Wiener Neustadt State Hospital (Lower Austria). According to the Austrian vaccination plan, it is therefore also recommended for all people over 50 years of age, as well as for people aged 18 and over with an immune deficiency or underlying diseases.
The characteristic symptom of shingles is a band-shaped red rash with blisters, according to the doctor. It usually affects the chest, back, or face. Pain occurs in 80 percent of patients, and around 40 percent have to go to the hospital. The disease often brings with it some serious complications, such as acute or chronic inflammation of the lungs, meninges or eyes. It can lead to nerve paralysis in the auditory nerve, for example, which causes deafness and balance disorders. “The most common is intense, excruciatingly nagging constant pain,” he said. Of course, this affects the quality of life.
pain and depression
“Patients often suffer from depression, sleep disorders and even suicide attempts are not uncommon,” explained Müllegger. Treatment with antiviral drugs and painkillers would be possible, but in many patients (40 percent) does not allow “complete control of the disease and prevention of pain and complications,” according to the expert. (apa/js/sws)
