Minor Ailments

Shingles

Manage shingles symptoms and prevent complications with early pharmacist-guided treatment.

Understanding and Treating Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later, usually in adults over 50 or those with weakened immune systems. Shingles causes a painful, blistering rash that typically appears on one side of the body. Early treatment with antiviral medication can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. A shingles vaccine is also available to help prevent the condition.

Recognizing Shingles Symptoms

Early symptoms include pain, burning, or tingling on one side of the body, followed by sensitivity to touch, itching, and the development of a red rash with fluid-filled blisters. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light. The rash typically appears as a stripe of blisters that wraps around one side of the torso, neck, or face.

How Your Pharmacist Can Help

Your PharmaChoice pharmacist can help assess your symptoms and recommend appropriate pain management. In some provinces, pharmacists can prescribe antiviral medications for shingles. They can also administer the shingles vaccine for prevention and advise on managing complications such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Find Shingles Treatment Near You

Find a PharmaChoice pharmacy near you for assessment and access to shingles treatment and prevention options. Early treatment makes a significant difference.

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to common questions about shingles, including symptoms, treatment options, how contagious it is, and how vaccination can help.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles itself is not contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can be spread from an active shingles rash to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, causing chickenpox in that person. Avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals until the rash has crusted over.

How is shingles treated?

Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir are most effective when started within 72 hours of rash onset. Pain relievers, cool compresses, and calamine lotion can help manage discomfort. Your pharmacist or doctor can advise on the best treatment plan.

What is postherpetic neuralgia?

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a complication of shingles where nerve pain persists in the area of the rash for months or years after the rash has healed. It is more common in older adults and can be debilitating. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of PHN.

Can you get shingles more than once?

Yes, it is possible to have shingles more than once, though it is not common. Getting vaccinated after a shingles episode reduces the risk of recurrence.

How can I prevent shingles?

The shingles vaccine is highly effective at helping prevent shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. It is recommended for adults aged 50 and older. Ask your PharmaChoice pharmacist about vaccination options and availability.

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