​Adj Assoc Prof Derrick Aw, Senior Consultant, Dermatology Service, SKH, shared that individuals with respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and lung cancer are at a higher risk of getting shingles due to factors which impair the immune system such as age (COPD and cancer patients are often older), drugs used to treat asthma and cancer which suppress the immune system, and multiple sources of stress on the body from these chronic diseases. Patients with COPD or lung cancer also have a higher risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent burning pain, which is a common complication of shingles. A/Prof Derrick stressed the importance of recombinant shingles vaccination and urged those with chronic lung conditions to protect themselves through vaccination. The article concluded with an invitation to SKH's upcoming Lung Shield event on Saturday, 12 October 2024, at Sengkang Community Club from 10am to 4pm.