Painful Disease Striking 1 in 3 Australians Flies Under Radar

Deborah Knight was not yet 50 when the broadcast journalist received the shock news that she had contracted a painful and debilitating illness. Like many Australians, the Sydney-based TV and radio presenter was vaguely aware of the threat of shingles, but before her diagnosis did not appreciate just how common the disease is. “It started with intense pain in my lower back, followed by a rash with sensitive blisters on my face,” she said. “Shortly after these symptoms began, I saw my doctor who confirmed I had shingles. “I live a really active lifestyle, so it was confronting to need my husband and son to help me stand up due to the pain.”...