Incidence of Shingles in the UK

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people develop shingles in their lifetime. A study by Gauthier et al (2009) analysed incidence in adults aged ≥50 years in the UK during 2000–2006. They concluded that incidence increased markedly with age up to 84 years, and was more common in females than in males after age-adjustment.*¹

GP-based studies in England & Wales suggest >50,000 cases of shingles occur in people aged 70+ annually*. The incidence of shingles increases with age.*²

Estimated annual age-specific incidence of shingles per 100,000 per year in the immunocompetent population in England and Wales (population 2007)²

Complications of Shingles

• The severity of the symptoms of shingles can range from mild to severe and can be very unpleasant for some
• Most people recover but it is estimated that 15-20% of people in their 70's can go on to develop chronic nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)²

Potential impact of long-lasting pain:

• Interference with daily activities (e.g. dressing, shopping, work, mobility)
• Disruption of sleep
• Anorexia and weight loss
• Chronic fatigue, depression and social isolation

Treatment of Shingles and Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN)

The treatment of shingles is commonly antiviral agents and pain management medicines. The antiviral agents inhibit replication of the virus so attenuating severity of the shingles and cause less viral shedding. The rash healing is hastened and the severity and duration of pain can be reduced if treatment is initiated early, ideally within 72 hours of rash onset.

Pain management may include self-management advice, topical analgesics, oral analgesics including neuropathic analgesia or referral to the pain clinic.