Julia Morris: TV presenter reveals debilitating shingles battle that should be taken more seriously
Aussie TV presenter Julia Morris has shared her debilitating and “overwhelming” battle with shingles, and suggests it’s more common than most people her age might know.
Morris, 57, admitted that prior to her unpleasant experience, she wasn’t aware that the ailment is caused by a reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that typically affects people early in life in the form of chickenpox.
The former I’m a Celebrity.. host came clean on the symptoms that had afflicted her, and their impact to her work.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“When shingles hit me, I was in the middle of one of the busiest times of my career. The physical toll was immediate and overwhelming — I had a red rash across my torso, an aching body and the most brutal headache,” she said.
“I could barely get through a day without collapsing back into bed. Even simple tasks like having a shower left me exhausted and I was completely debilitated for weeks. Shingles wasn’t just painful; it completely altered how I lived and worked.”
The comic partnered with GSK Australia — a focussed biopharma company that creates speciality medicines and vaccines — to deliver the message.
Morris reiterated to her social media followers that “shingles is not a joke”, and implored them to learn the signs and risks by speaking to their GP.
While the symptoms of shingles can vary, sufferers typically experience a painful, blistering rash that can last last one to two weeks, though may extend beyond the initial rash and pain.
Leading expert Dr Timothy Tan, Cardiologist and Professor at Western Sydney University, advised people aged 50 and above to take the risks more seriously.
“Almost all Australians have had chickenpox at some stage in life. The virus never really leaves the body, so for most Australians the risk of shingles is very real. Even if you don’t recall having chickenpox, that doesn’t mean you are free from risk,” Professor Tan said.
Ninety seven percent of Australians aged above 40 are believed to carry the chickenpox virus, with more than 100,000 estimated to develop shingles each year.
Morris has also recently spoken of her late ADHD diagnosis, speaking on ABC’s The Assembly about how she’s navigated her adult life since it was confirmed to her.
The TV personality said when making plans, she’ll say, “Let’s absolutely do it”, but caveats her appointments by admitting “there’s every possibility I’ll pull out”.
“I think the diagnosis kind of set me free,” she added.
