Shingles awareness drive launched

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/local-news/2016/07/10/shingles-awareness-drive-launched-484553
• Sunday, July 10, 2016

By Elias O. Baquero

AN international civic organization, which is behind the end-polio and anti-dengue campaigns, recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MSD-Philippines for the shingles awareness campaign.

Rotary International District 3860 Governor Mary Anne Alcordo Solomon said that the campaign will be conducted in areas not yet covered by the government program. It is under the group’s theme, “Rotary Serving Humanity.”

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

Solomon said that 95 percent of adults are at risk of getting shingles. She said that age and a problem with a person’s immune system may increase his chances of getting shingles, as the risk increases after the age of 50.

She said that 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.

Shingles, locally known as “likos-likos,” can strike when a person least expects it, she said. That’s why it is important to talk to a doctor about ways to protect against shingles.

The MOU for the shingles awareness campaign was signed for Rotary by Solomon, lawyer Bernardo Amago IV and Maricel Borromeo-Amores; and Caroline Lopez and Aileen Bautista for MSD-Philippines, a shingles vaccine producer.

The MOU signing was witnessed by Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry past president Philip Tan and Rotary District secretary Lilu Aliño.

Amores and Nenette Calalang told the media during a press conference that they had suffered shingles.

“What happened to us should not happen to other people. That’s why we are supporting this shingles awareness campaign so the people may know that there are many ways to prevent it,” Amores said.

“Learn more about shingles prevention. It only takes a simple step on your road to freedom and life,” said Lopez.

Bautista, on the other hand, explained why shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. She said that after one suffered chickenpox, sores heal and the virus lies dormant in the victim’s nerves and may re-activate as shingles.

“That’s why anyone who’s had chickenpox can get shingles,” Bautista said.