Cypriot doctors are urging citizens to take the symptoms of shingles seriously.

The National Health System of Cyprus (Gesy) has launched a new information campaign encouraging residents to pay closer attention to the symptoms of shingles and to take advantage of free vaccination. Doctors warn that the disease is much more dangerous than many people think and, if left untreated, can lead to prolonged and painful complications.

The campaign is primarily aimed at citizens over the age of 60, as well as people with weakened immune systems. Gesy recommends that everyone in the risk group discuss with their family doctor the possibility of vaccination, which is part of the national program and provided free of charge.

According to a survey conducted in May 2025, only 60% of Cypriots had heard of the disease, and only 14% planned to consult a doctor. Doctors emphasize that one in three people may experience shingles during their lifetime.

Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. After childhood infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later — usually during periods of stress, fatigue, or weakened immunity.

The symptoms begin with mild itching, tingling, and pain on one side of the body, most often on the back, chest, or face. After 2–3 days, characteristic rashes appear — red spots that turn into fluid-filled blisters. These are often accompanied by burning, a feeling of heat, and severe pain that may persist even after the rash disappears. In some cases, the disease can cause inflammation of the eyes or affect the nerves, liver, lungs, or brain.

Doctors emphasize that timely use of antiviral and pain-relief medications can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce the risk of postherpetic neuralgia — chronic pain that may last for weeks or months.

As part of the campaign, Gesy has published personal stories of patients who have had the disease. In one case, a woman said she mistook the itching and blisters for an insect bite, but within days, the pain became so severe that she couldn’t sleep. Only after visiting a doctor was she correctly diagnosed and treated.

Gesy reminds that even healthy people are not protected from reactivation of the virus, so awareness and vaccination are key preventive measures. Specialists urge citizens not to ignore early symptoms and to see a doctor at the first signs of itching or pain localized on one side of the body.