People over the age of 50 have a poor knowledge of shingles, despite the fact that many are at risk of developing the condition, a new survey has found.

Shingles is a viral disease that affects the nerves and surrounding skin. It is caused by the herpes varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in their nervous system. If this virus becomes reactivated, it becomes shingles.

Symptoms include a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body.

Some 95% of adults in Ireland have had chickenpox, which means they are at risk of developing shingles and two in three cases occur in people over the age of 50. The condition tends to be more severe in older adults.

Yet despite this, a recent survey of 515 people over the age of 50, almost 100 of whom have had shingles, found that while all were aware of the condition, most had a limited knowledge about it, particularly men. In fact, women were twice as likely to know about the condition than men, and men were more likely to be unsure whether they had had the condition in the past.

Just 19% of respondents overall were aware that you cannot catch shingles from someone with chickenpox, while only 8% were aware that you cannot develop shingles unless you have previously had chickenpox.

Commenting on the findings, Limerick GP, Dr Johnny Loughnane, said that the survey reveals ‘a worryingly low level of awareness among those who are at risk'.

"The majority of us had chickenpox when we were children, and if you had chickenpox as a child, you are at increased risk of developing shingles. We recommend starting a conversation about shingles with neighbours, friends and family to raise awareness," he said.

Meanwhile, according to John Lindsay, chairman of Chronic Pain Ireland, shingles can cause ‘extreme pain', so people should talk to a healthcare professional about prevention, treatment or long-term care.

"Shingles can lead to a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is an extremely painful condition and difficult to treat," he explained.

Among the survey recipients who had previously developed shingles, 49% had experienced moderate to extreme pain as a result. Some 41% said that this pain lasted a few days, while 42% said it lasted a few weeks. Almost one in five experienced pain for more than a month.

Also commenting on the findings, Stephen McMahon of the Irish Patients' Association said that while it is a positive sign that all Irish adults have heard of shingles, it is worrying that most do not know much or anything about the condition.

"Those at risk of shingles should take note of this research, talk to their healthcare professional and spread the message," he said.

The survey was launched to coincide with a new campaign, ‘Have You Heard About Shingles?', which is supported by Chronic Pain Ireland, the Irish Patients' Association, Age Action and Sanofi Pasteur MSD.

For more information on shingles, click on shingles.ie