HEALTH CARE BRIEF: Incidence rates, symptoms, risks, prevention, treatment & research in Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
With
Dr Queenie Luu
Rheumatologist, Sydney
HEALTH CARE BRIEF SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | October 2026
Dr Luu responds to the following questions
- What is the incidence of herpes zoster (shingles) in the Australian population?
- How does shingles present clinically, and what complications can affect patient outcomes?
- How does early medical intervention influence disease progression and the risk of complications associated with shingles?
- What demographic and clinical factors are associated with an increased risk of shingles?
- What infection prevention and control measures are recommended for patients presenting with shingles?
- Which clinical settings can shingles be appropriately managed?
- What is the association between rheumatoid arthritis and the incidence of shingles?
- What conversations should healthcare professionals have to identify patients who may benefit from shingles vaccination?
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Primary care remodelled
Tracey Johnson is the CEO of Inala Primary Care, a not-for-profit general practice located in Inala serving approximately 7000 patients; 4400 of whom attend clinic regularly. Inala is a suburb of Brisbane, Queensland and has a population of great cultural and linguistic diversity, with just under 40% of residents speaking English at home. It is also one of Queensland’s most socioeconomically marginalised urban areas.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Tracey on the role of Inala Primary care in reducing hospital admissions.
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MTAA MedTech19 Annual Conference
MTAA’s annual conference is the premier medical technology industry conference in Australia and brings together leaders and influencers across industry, government and academia to discuss what’s up ahead for the MedTech industry.
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
