Shingles Awareness: Singaporean Actors Share Their Experiences and Risks
A common viral infection, shingles, can have serious consequences, including potential vision loss. Several Singaporean actors, including veteran Richard Low, have recently shared their personal experiences with the condition, highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment. This comes as Singapore observes Shingles Action Week 2026, aiming to raise awareness about the risks, particularly among those over 50.
Richard Low’s Brush with Shingles
In 2013, actor Richard Low, now 73, noticed a small red spot on his left eyelid. Initially dismissing it as an insect bite, he soon realized the spot was growing. A doctor cleared him for a trip to Guangzhou, China, but the spot quickly developed into a rash spreading towards his forehead. Diagnosed with shingles in Guangzhou, Low was warned he could have suffered permanent eye damage if the rash had reached his eye. He underwent two days of intravenous treatment, which successfully controlled the infection and allowed him to continue his vacation. The Straits Times
Even over a decade later, Low occasionally experiences tightness and tingling around his left eye, especially after sun exposure. He considers himself fortunate to have avoided the severe nerve pain often associated with shingles.
Experiences of Fellow Actors
Low was joined by fellow Singaporean actors Chen Shucheng, 76, and Zhu Houren, 71, in raising awareness about shingles. Chen experienced intense pain and fever more than a decade ago, initially mistaking his symptoms for the flu. He described the pain as feeling like being bitten by thousands of red ants and took three weeks to recover. Zhu Houren, while currently unaffected, expressed fear of contracting the virus, especially given his prior chickenpox infection.
Shingles Incidence in Singapore
According to a report by the National University of Singapore’s University Health Centre on March 9, 2026, an estimated 80 to 85% of adults have had chickenpox, and approximately 20% of those individuals will later develop shingles. Singapore sees around 30,000 novel cases of shingles annually. While the risk increases with age, particularly after 60, younger individuals are also susceptible. One example cited was Zhu Houren’s daughter-in-law, in her 30s, who was diagnosed with shingles shortly before giving birth in April 2025. She received medication safe for pregnant women and recovered within a week.
Importance of Early Treatment
Doctors recommend seeking treatment within 72 hours of the first symptoms appearing to reduce pain and shorten the infection’s duration. Chen Shucheng emphasized the importance of promptly seeking medical attention, advising seniors not to self-medicate or ignore discomfort. Zhu Houren stressed the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to support overall health and proactively seeking medical advice when feeling unwell.
Understanding Shingles
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. The Straits Times A key symptom is often a burning, severe nerve-related pain that can persist for weeks.