Review of Article from The Straits Times, Oct 28, 2025 (Judith Tan).
Shingles is often mistaken for a simple rash or band of blisters around the body—but as doctors warn, it can strike in hidden places and cause lasting pain if not treated early. Every year, an estimated 30,000 Singaporeans develop shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus that lies dormant in most adults over 50.
The infection can appear anywhere—on the chest, face, or even inside the ear—and its early warning signs such as tingling, burning, or back pain are easily confused with other conditions. If left untreated, shingles can lead to complications like Ramsay Hunt syndrome or postherpetic neuralgia, resulting in prolonged nerve pain, facial paralysis, or hearing loss.
To address the growing risk among seniors, the “Shielding from Shingles” campaign was launched to raise awareness and encourage early vaccination. The Shingrix vaccine, now part of Singapore’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule, offers strong protection, and from mid-2026, MediSave can be used to cover it.
If you’re over 50—or caring for ageing parents—speak to your doctor about prevention. Shingles may start silently, but awareness and timely protection can make all the difference.
Here’s the gist—focusing on diagnosis and prevention:
- Shingles isn’t always a belt-like rash. Early symptoms (localized pain, tingling, burning, vertigo, ear pain) can mimic other conditions; in the immunocompromised, there may be no rash at all, making diagnosis tricky.
- Real cases illustrate the pitfalls:
- A 76-year-old developed Ramsay Hunt syndrome (inner-ear shingles) → ear blisters, facial paralysis, vertigo, lingering pain.
- A 60-year-old had severe back/chest pain and was initially worked up for cardiac/COVID issues; diagnosis came late, beyond the antiviral window, leading to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- Scale of the problem in Singapore: ~30,000 cases/year; >90% of people ≥50 carry latent chickenpox virus and can reactivate. Recurrences can happen.
- Who’s at higher risk of severe complications? Older adults and those with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or other immunocompromising conditions—with elevated risks of stroke and heart attack after shingles.
- Vaccination update: Shingrix was added to the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) on Sept 1, 2025 (subsidies now; MediSave usable from mid-2026). Over 14,000 adults received it in September, 13,200 aged ≥60.
- Awareness push: “Shielding from Shingles” campaign launched Oct 28 to encourage seniors/caregivers to learn symptoms and discuss vaccination with doctors.
What to do (practical takeaways)
- Seek care fast if you develop new, one-sided pain/tingling (face, ear, trunk, or limb) ± blisters or neurologic symptoms (vertigo, facial weakness). Antivirals work best within 72 hours of rash onset (or at first strong suspicion).
- Consider vaccination: Adults ≥50 (and younger adults with certain medical risks) should discuss Shingrix with their GP under NAIS.
- Don’t dismiss “hidden” shingles: Ear pain with rash, facial weakness (Ramsay Hunt), or chest/back pain without a clear cause warrants evaluation for shingles—even without a visible rash.
Source: The Straits Times, Oct 28, 2025 (reporting by Judith Tan) — article on shingles’ atypical presentations, complications, and the NAIS rollout of Shingrix.
