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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Shingles Be Prevented?

I got shingles at age 59. I had nerve pain on my arm where the breakout was, for a month or two afterwards. A year later I got the vaccine, I am now 63. Last night I started feeling the tingling sensation like a shingles outbreak on my arm again. There is no sign of a breakout , but i am a bit nervous it could happen. Is there anything i can do or take to minimize that possibility ? We have had company a lot and even though it is fun , it is still stressful. I made sure to get a good nights sleep. Also , I teach aerobics and am wondering if working out can make it more possible i.e. sweating, higher pulse , etc. YYYY@YYYY
Thu, 1 Mar 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

As with the chickenpox vaccine, the shingles vaccine does not guarantee you will not get shingles. But this vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease and reduce your risk of post herpetic neuralgia within the first five years after vaccination.

Protection beyond five years is uncertain. There is no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications.

These medications include:
- Acyclovir (Zovirax)
- Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

This will stop it from spreading.

Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe:
- Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza)
- Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin)
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
- Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, delivered via a cream, gel, spray or skin patch
- Medications that contain narcotics, such as codeine
- An injection including corticosteroids and local anesthetics

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Olgeta Xhufka
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How Can Shingles Be Prevented?

Hello, As with the chickenpox vaccine, the shingles vaccine does not guarantee you will not get shingles. But this vaccine will likely reduce the course and severity of the disease and reduce your risk of post herpetic neuralgia within the first five years after vaccination. Protection beyond five years is uncertain. There is no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include: - Acyclovir (Zovirax) - Valacyclovir (Valtrex) This will stop it from spreading. Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe: - Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) - Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) - Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline - Numbing agents, such as lidocaine, delivered via a cream, gel, spray or skin patch - Medications that contain narcotics, such as codeine - An injection including corticosteroids and local anesthetics Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Olgeta Xhufka