Viola Davis shares personal shingles diagnosis to support health campaign

Actress Viola Davis has shared her personal experience with shingles to support a new health initiative. The EGOT-winning performer revealed she suffered from the condition twice, describing the nerve pain as a “nine out of 10” and noting that the rash was debilitating.

Davis first experienced symptoms, including flu-like signs and a painful rash on her abdomen, during a period of intense work following her Oscar nomination for ‘The Help’ and the adoption of her daughter. After the initial symptoms subsided, the condition returned with blisters on her upper back.

She is partnering with GSK for the “Shingles, Actually” campaign, which aims to encourage candid conversations about aging and increase awareness among adults aged 50 and older regarding their risk of contracting the virus.