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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Cardiologist broadens Tasmania’s surgical abilities
Dr Heath Adams is a Tasmanian born, bred and educated interventional and structural cardiologist who works at Hobart Private and Royal Hobart Hospital and is a researcher through the Menzies Research Institute.
Dr Adams clinical interest and expertise is in the management of aortic stenosis, valvular heart disease and acute coronary syndromes. Dr Adams performs coronary interventions including stenting, and structural heart interventions including TAVI, mitral edge to edge repair, mitral valve replacement and left atrial appendage closure. In 2020, Heath performed the first TAVI in Tasmania, is the clinical lead for the local program at the Royal Hobart Hospital and is a nationally accredited TAVI practitioner.
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