Imagine enduring pain so intense that even a seasoned AFL legend like Brendan Fevola couldn’t power through it. This is the reality of shingles, a condition that has left both Brendan and his father, Angelo, reeling from its excruciating grip. Now, they’re sharing their harrowing experiences to warn Australians about the often-overlooked dangers of this virus—and why early action is critical. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite its severity, shingles remains widely misunderstood, with many brushing off early symptoms as minor irritations. Could this lack of awareness be putting thousands at risk?
For the first time, Brendan Fevola, renowned for his fearless AFL career and radio hosting, opens up about a health battle that halted him in his prime. At the height of his athletic prowess, shingles struck, delivering a level of pain he describes as nearly unbearable. In an exclusive interview with 7NEWS, he revealed, ‘The pain was excruciating. I’ve had 22 operations—knees, Achilles, shoulders, fingers—and this ranks among the worst I’ve ever felt.’ The virus sidelined him during pre-season, robbing him of his ability to train, lift weights, or even work—a devastating blow for any athlete.
Shingles, caused by the varicella zoster virus (the same culprit behind chickenpox), can lie dormant in the body for decades after a chickenpox infection. When it reactivates, it travels along nerves to the skin, often causing severe nerve pain before a blistering rash appears. ‘It didn’t just stop me from playing,’ Brendan explained. ‘It took away my livelihood.’
And this is the part most people miss: shingles doesn’t discriminate. Last year, Brendan’s father, Angelo, also faced the condition while managing rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic illness that weakens the immune system. ‘It started as a small scab on my back,’ Angelo recalled. ‘I ignored it, put some cream on it. But within days, it worsened. The pharmacist urged me to see my GP immediately.’ The diagnosis? Shingles. ‘I didn’t even know what it was,’ Angelo admitted. The pain was debilitating, leaving him bedridden and unable to move. ‘If I’d known sooner, I’d have acted sooner,’ he said, a sentiment echoed by health experts.
Professor Tony Cunningham, Australia’s leading shingles expert, emphasizes the urgency of early treatment. ‘Once the rash appears, you have a narrow window—about three days—for antiviral medications like Valtrex and Famvir to work effectively,’ he told 7NEWS. ‘These can halt the rash and pain within 24 to 48 hours, but the rash itself takes about a week to heal.’ Delayed treatment, however, can lead to long-term complications, particularly for those over 50 or with chronic conditions. One such complication is postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent nerve pain that can last months or even years after the rash fades.
‘For 12% of people over 50, prolonged pain becomes a reality,’ Professor Cunningham warns. ‘This can lead to depression, hospitalization, and even the need for aged care.’ Vaccination, he stresses, is key. The Shingrix vaccine, free for Australians over 65, offers robust protection, yet only 40% of the eligible population is currently vaccinated. ‘We need to boost that number to 95%,’ he urges.
The Fevolas’ experiences have led them to become ambassadors for Shingles Action Week 2026, using their platform to raise awareness. ‘Watching a loved one suffer through preventable pain is heartbreaking,’ Brendan said. For Angelo, the ordeal was overwhelming. ‘It nearly brought me to tears,’ he admitted. Their message is clear: know the signs—tingling, burning, or stabbing pain on one side of the body—and act fast if a rash develops.
Shingles affects hundreds of thousands of Australians, with the risk soaring with age. Health authorities are urging those over 50 and individuals with underlying conditions to stay vigilant. But here’s the question: Are we doing enough to educate the public about this silent threat? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think shingles is taken seriously enough, or is more awareness needed?
For more information on Shingles Action Week 2026, visit knowshingles.com.au. And don’t miss the full interview with Brendan and Angelo Fevola on 7NEWS at 6pm—a conversation that could save you or a loved one from unnecessary pain.
