International Civic Group Raising Awareness on Shingles

An international civic organization, which is behind the world-wide end-polio campaign, has vowed to help raise awareness on shingles in the Philippines.

Rotary International District 3860 Governor Mary Anne Alcordo Solomon said the campaign will be conducted in areas not yet covered by the government program.

It is under the civic group’s theme, “Rotary Serving Humanity.”

Rotary International is behind the campaign to eliminate polio worldwide. The Philippines has since been declared polio-free.

Solomon said their group has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with shingles vaccine producer MSD-Philippines for the shingles awareness campaign.

Solomon said shingles is a disease caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, but it is more painful.

Solomon said 95 percent of adults are at risk of getting shingles.

She said age and a problem with a person’s immune system may increase the chances of getting shingles, as the risk increases after the age of 50.

She said one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime.

“If you had chickenpox, you may get shingles any time. It does not matter how healthy you may be,” she said.

Shingles, locally known as “likos-likos,” can strike when a person least expects it, she said, adding that it is important to talk to a doctor about ways to protect against shingles. (PNA) LAM/EB/EDS