Acute Herpes Zoster

Herpes Zoster, commonly known as Shingles, is a virus caused by the varicella zoster virus which affects 1 in 3 people in the US. It usually occurs in adults over 50 years old and may cause a painful rash.

Symptoms of Shingles may include:

Pain, burning, tingling or numbness in certain areas of the skin
A red rash that forms blisters on one side of the body
Fever
Headache
Upset stomach
Chills
Fatigue

Acute Herpes Zoster is a condition that often resolves itself with proper treatment and care; however, severe cases may require hospitalization. Treatment usually involves antiviral medications to reduce the severity and duration of the rash as well as analgesics for pain management.

In some cases, a vaccine may be offered to those at high risk or 50+ to reduce the risk of getting the virus. It is important to talk to your doctor to determine if the vaccine is right for you.

If you are experiencing symptoms of acut herpes zoster, it is important to seek medical help immediately. If left untreated, the virus may cause complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, where the pain can persist for months or even years after the rash has healed.