Shingles: Vaccination Can Prevent It
Post-herpetic neuralgia is the dreaded complication.
Dr. Hélène Marquet
Infectious Diseases
In simple terms
Shingles results from varicella reactivation. Modern vaccination prevents most cases and complications in older adults.
What you need to remember
- Antiviral treatment — Valaciclovir within 72 hours of rash onset reduces severity and post-herpetic neuralgia risk.
- Post-herpetic neuralgia — Pain persisting >3 months after the rash.
- Vaccination — Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is highly effective and recommended for adults from 50 — even those with prior shingles.
Burning or tingling pain in a dermatome, followed within days by a vesicular rash. Most often thoracic, but ophthalmic shingles is an emergency.
Antiviral treatment
Valaciclovir within 72 hours of rash onset reduces severity and post-herpetic neuralgia risk.
Post-herpetic neuralgia
Pain persisting >3 months after the rash. Difficult to treat: gabapentin, pregabalin, tricyclics, topical lidocaine or capsaicin.
Vaccination
Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is highly effective and recommended for adults from 50 — even those with prior shingles.
Vision changes during shingles around the eye demand same-day ophthalmology review.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Topical
- A treatment you apply on the skin, like a cream, gel or ointment.
- Vaccine
- A safe training session for your immune system, so it can fight a germ later.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Shingles: Vaccination Can Prevent It?
- Shingles results from varicella reactivation. Modern vaccination prevents most cases and complications in older adults.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Shingles: Vaccination Can Prevent It?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Shingles: Vaccination Can Prevent It?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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