Shingles, Part III

Last week, we learned that shingles can sometimes lead to serious complications like long-term nerve pain and vision loss.

1.) What should you do if you think you have shingles?

If you think you might have shingles, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It is important to see your doctor no later than 3 days after the rash starts. The doctor will confirm whether or not you have shingles and can make a treatment plan. The shingles test can also help doctors diagnose shingles in people who do not have a rash. Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with drugs that fight the virus can help the blisters dry up faster and limit severe pain. Shingles can often be treated at home. People with shingles rarely need to stay in a hospital.

2.) How important is it to protect others if you have shingles?

Covering the shingles rash can lower the risk of spreading the shingles virus to others. People with shingles cannot spread the virus before the blisters appear or after the rash scabs over.

To prevent spreading the virus to others:

• Cover the rash
• Avoid touching or scratching the rash
• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid contact with the following people until your rash scabs over:
  • Pregnant women who never had chickenpox or chickenpox vaccine
  • Premature or low birth weight infants
  • People with weakened immune systems

3.) For those watching this interview tonight, what should they consider doing concerning the possibility of contracting shingles?

Before you have shingles consider getting the shingles vaccine, as it is safe and easy, and it may keep you from getting shingles and PHN. Healthy adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with a shingles vaccine called Shingrix. It is given in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. Shingrix is preferred over Zostavax, an older shingles vaccine. Zostavax may still be used to prevent shingles in healthy adults age 60 and older. For example, you could use Zostavax if a person is allergic to Shingrix, prefers Zostavax, or requests immediate vaccination and Shingrix is not available.

You should try to get the second dose of Shingrix between 2 and 6 months after you got the first dose. If your doctor or pharmacist is out of Shingrix, you can use the Vaccine Finder to help find other providers who have Shingrix. You can also contact pharmacies in your area and ask to be put on a waiting list for Shingrix. If it has been more than 6 months since you got the first dose, you should get the second dose as soon as possible. You do not need to get a first dose again.

You should get Shingrix even if you have already had shingles, received Zostavax, or do not remember having had chickenpox. However, you should not get Shingrix if you have a fever, illness, or have had an allergic reaction to Shingrix. Check with your doctor if you are not sure what to do.

You can get the shingles vaccine at your doctor’s office and at some pharmacies. All Medicare Part D plans and most private health insurance plans will cover the cost.

This content was originally posted on the WDTV News website here.

Please note, the information provided throughout this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and video, on or available through this website is for general information purposes only. If you are experiencing related symptoms, please visit your doctor or call 9-1-1 in an emergency.