Shingles: Understanding the hidden threat for adults 50 and over

Aging is a gift that comes with benefits and challenges. One challenge for adults 50 and over is shingles. This virus needs to be discussed more than other illnesses. Still, it can become pressing enough if preventative strategies are not put in place. Dr. Leah Smith and Laarnie San Juan are shingles advocates from GSK, an international pharmaceutical company. These two want to increase awareness and help everyone understand this undercover threat.Laarni San Juan. Photo Submitted“We should take it seriously because it can disrupt your life. It is not a simple rash that goes away. It can be excruciating and can impact you in many ways. It can impact your ability to participate in daily activities, work, and hobbies. It can affect time with your family. That’s why you need to take shingles seriously,” said Dr. Leah Smith, a pharmacist and medical educator with GSK.Shingles are a condition caused by the reactivation of the virus behind chicken pox. According to Dr. Smith, after you have chickenpox as a child, the virus remains silent in your body until years later. It reactivates after the body’s immune system declines due to old age. Adults over 50 usually get shingles. About 99 percent...