Shingles affects tens of thousands of Australians a year - but the early signs of the illness are often not spotted.

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 a cure, with older people urged to talk to their doctor about getting a shingles vaccine. That story by Amy Hall for SBS News, produced by Praba Maheswaran for SBS Tamil.

Rash associated with the shingles (herpes zoster) virus.Credit: NIAID Source: Universal Images Group Editorial

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