Beijing Observes Shingles Awareness Week to Boost Public Health Vigilance

On Saturday, Beijing hosted a special Shingles Awareness Week event, which brought together medical professionals and community representatives to raise public understanding about shingles—a serious health condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Shingles is known for causing severe pain and discomfort, significantly affecting quality of life, especially for patients aged 50 or older, as well as those with weakened immunity.

Commonly recognized among the public by the nickname "snake belt," shingles can lead to lasting complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia—a persistent and painful condition which may continue for many years. Experts indicate that almost 90 percent of adults carry the virus responsible for shingles, with around one-third experiencing shingles at some point in their life.

The event, held from February 24 through March 2, was organized collaboratively by the health communication branch of the Chinese Association for Health Promotion and Education in partnership with CCTV.com. The primary goal of the campaign was to inform the public about shingles and underline the importance of proactive strategies, especially among those aged 50 and above who are at a heightened risk.

Cui Yong, vice president of China-Japan Friendship Hospital and head of the dermatology department, explained the seriousness of the issue, noting that certain complications from shingles could lead to lingering discomfort that may affect patients' lives for years. Dr. Cui emphasized that chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases significantly heighten the potential for shingles outbreaks. Research reveals that people with conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions, or chronic kidney diseases may be 26 to 41 percent more likely to develop shingles compared to the general population.

Professor Guo Xiaohui, from Peking University First Hospital's Endocrinology Department, specifically highlighted how diabetic patients' glucose levels might become dangerously unstable if they contract shingles, leading to significant health risks. Such warnings underscore how vital early prevention and dedicated care are for vulnerable populations.

Renowned Chinese table tennis world champion Deng Yaping compared the approach to shingles prevention to strategic play in table tennis, emphasizing the necessity of taking proactive steps and preparing defenses before complications arise. Meanwhile, community healthcare provider Chen Qiuping from Beijing's Liulitun Community Health Service Center promised continued efforts in public health education on shingles, along with vaccination services tailored towards elderly residents and community members living with chronic health conditions.