Shingles occurs when viral antibody titer and cellular immunity decline to levels that allow viral reactivation. Predisposing factors are old age, immune-compromised patients such as HIV infection, patients on chronic steroid and
chemotherapy. Shingles resolves within 3–5 weeks, but secondary bacterial infection and
chronic pain due to post – herpetic neuralgia may occur. High potency live attenuated VZV vaccine (Zostavax)is available and it reduce the risk of getting shingles in individuals 50 years of age and older.
Vaccination reduces the frequency of post – herpetic neuralgia.
Advice
1. You can take Zostavaxvaccine if your age is more than 50 years
2. For fresh attack, you can take
valaciclovir 500 mg three times daily per oral if blisters are covering large area. No need of oral valaciclovir if blisters are localized to smaller area
3. You can also apply locally aciclovir 3% ointment five time daily for all types of shingles
4. For post – herpetic neuralgia, you can take
gabapentin 100 mg three times daily
5. Do not take mental stress as it aggravates shingles
Thanks