Keep yourself healthy. Manage your stress. Have enough sleep. Get regular medical check-ups.
These are just some of the ways to avoid shingles, advised Dr. Shayne Morales, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist in her presentation during a media roundtable discussion held at the Radisson Blu Cebu on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.
Called “likos-likos” in Cebuano, shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox.
It appears as a rash and is not to be mistaken for “ugahip,” another viral infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus, Dr. Morales said.
Shingles “can cause sharp, shooting nerve pain” which can last for months or even years. This condition is called postherpetic neuralgia.
So what triggers shingles?
A weakened immune system, aging, stress, and chronic illness, among others.
Although it usually affects adults 50 years old and older, Dr. Morales cautioned that even young adults are not spared, citing the case of her patient who was only 18 years old.
She also emphasized that those who have pre-existing conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or heart disease should take extra caution as they have a higher risk of getting the disease.
This is a particular cause of concern in Cebu as data from the Cebu City Health Department showed that hypertension cases have significantly increased from 1,098 in early 2023 to 2,901 in the first quarter of 2024, making more Cebuanos more vulnerable to complications if they get shingles.
Dr. Morales therefore reminded everyone to have themselves treated immediately with an antiviral medication within 72 hours from the appearance of a rash and to always consult a doctor.
Meanwhile, Dr. Albert Pamplona, Vaccine Medical Head of GSK Philippines, reiterated the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle, regularly take maintenance medication for those with comorbidities, and keep stressful situations at bay.
