Actress Viola Davis is sharing her experience with shingles, a condition that prompted her to prioritize stress management and regular medical checkups.
Key facts
- •Viola Davis contracted shingles at age 50 and described the pain level as a 9 out of 10.
- •Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age.
- •The shingles vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing the disease, according to medical experts.
- •Dr. Robyn Liu recommends two doses of the shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older and for immunocompromised adults 19 and older.
- •Davis now manages stress through methods including therapy, meditation, and regular exercise.
Award-winning actress Viola Davis has spoken publicly about her experience with shingles, which she contracted at age 50 while managing a demanding career and new motherhood. Davis described the pain as a 9 out of 10, leading her to adopt a more proactive approach to her health and stress management. Now 61, she is partnering with GSK for the “Shingles, actually” campaign to raise awareness about the disease and the importance of vaccination.
By the numbers
The Impact of Shingles
Davis initially ignored her symptoms, which began as a rash on her stomach that wrapped around her back, while she was traveling for work. The symptoms later recurred on her upper back, which she initially mistook for a spider bite. Medical experts note that shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox, and the risk increases as the immune system weakens with age. Complications can include herpetic neuralgia, a condition characterized by nerve pain that may persist for months or years.
Prioritizing Health and Stress Management
Following her diagnosis, Davis shifted her focus toward self-care, which includes scheduling annual checkups and addressing health concerns immediately rather than waiting for emergencies. She now prioritizes stress reduction through various methods, including meditation, therapy, exercise, Epsom salt baths, and spending time outdoors. Davis emphasized that she no longer allows her career to define her worth, noting that she now chooses projects that bring her joy.
Prevention and Vaccination
Medical experts, including Dr. Robyn Liu of the American Academy of Family Physicians, state that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles. The vaccine is reported to be more than 90% effective. Dr. Liu recommends two doses for adults aged 50 and older, as well as for adults 19 and older with weakened immune systems. While some patients may experience side effects such as headache, redness, or swelling, these are generally considered signs that the body is building protection.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
