“Like getting stabbed”: Former AFL star’s warning following father-son health struggle

Former Carlton superstar Brendan Fevola and his father, Angelo, have plenty in common.

But adding shingles to the list is something that wouldn't have crossed their minds.

Fevola experienced the viral infection during his AFL playing days, and the issue reared its ugly head last year when his father battled through it.

"Mine wasn't as bad as the old man," Fevola told Zero Hanger.

"It was such a long time ago. I just had a bit of an itch. Pimples on the ribs, like a rash, but obviously got it diagnosed after a week or two because I was in so much pain.

"It was like nerve pain. I couldn't move. It's excruciating pain. 

"Dad had it a year ago and for about two months, he couldn't move. He's a fit man, loves getting out and he was literally on the couch for two months.

"He said it was the worst pain he ever had. And I can say the same thing for me. 

"I've had a lot of operations, but with the shingles, it's debilitating."

Shingles is a viral infection that can occur anywhere, and is the adult version of chickenpox most children experience.

It can have a burning sensation, leave red rashes and cause health issues, especially to those more vulnerable.

Fevola experienced it ahead of the 2007 AFL season, saying he missed a chunk of the pre-season, but was fortunate to get on top of it.

"I couldn't do anything," he added.

"I couldn't do weights. It was great, because I couldn't do any running which was perfect. But you lose a bit of fitness.

"When you're in a pre-season and you're playing professional sport, to miss a couple of sessions, you fall behind. It put me on the back foot.

"But it was like getting stabbed."

The two-time Coleman Medallist said it was arguably his worst pain, despite the countless surgeries and injuries he suffered in the AFL.

But for anyone over 50, the impact can be much more dire.

Teaming up with campaign Shingles Action Week, Fevola is wanting to help others avoid what he and his father experience.

"There's an easy prevention," Fevola said.

"You get a little rash or you feel itchy, burning, go straight to the doctor, your pharmacist and get it checked. If you let it go for too long, it really does shut you down."

New global research* indicates that 83% of Australian adults aged 50–70 who are living with long-term health conditions are worried shingles could disrupt everyday life, yet almost half (44%) have never discussed it with their GP or pharmacist.