It's a common illness that affects at least 120,000 Australians each year and results in long-term symptoms in about 25 to 30 per cent of cases, but many people are still unaware of the early signs of shingles.
Experts say prevention is better than cure and older people are encouraged to discuss with their personal doctor about a vaccine for the disease.
Sufferers who recover often have to live with post-herpetic neuralgia – a condition that affects nerve fibers and skin, causing chronic pain.
Taking painkillers, can give very excruciating side effects.
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