How Do You Recognize Shingles Symptoms (Herpes Zoster Symptoms)?
• Realize that anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, even children. • Know if you are at a higher risk of getting shingles. If you suffer from the following conditions, you are at a higher risk: • Cancer • Lymphoma • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) • Leukemia • Also be aware that if you receive immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids or drugs given after an organ transplant, you are also at a higher risk of getting shingles. • Recognize shingles. Look for a rash on one side of the body or face consisting of small blisters that scab over in 3-5 days. • Before the rash advances, look for these symptoms: • Pain, itching, or tingling. • Headache. • Chills. • Upset stomach. • Fever. See your doctor soon if you think that you are having a shingles outbreak. There are a number of medicines (e.g., acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir) that you can take to reduce the severity of an outbreak, but they be need to be started quickly for maximum effect
