How to Treat Shingles Infection

There is no argument that shingles is a painful ordeal to have to endure, particularly for the elderly who are the ones mostly frequented by this disease. Treatment for zoster is mainly palliative, but it is the antiviral meds that can help to interrupt the virus’s ability to replicate, which can lessen the severity and length of time the disease is active.

Shingles is treated with medications in order to lessen the pain, decrease the duration and inhibit the risk for acquiring severe complications.

Complications:

Cellulitis: This complications a bacterial infection that can spread to the lymph nodes and blood and is often a high risk for fatality. Postherpetic Neuralgia: A painful condition of the nerve fibers and skin. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Hearing loss Visual problems that can be temporary or permanent Facial paralysis Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: Infection of the facial nerve with painful rash and facial muscle weakness.

Anyone affected by a shingles outbreak will experience pain and debilitating effects on their life. However, there is good news. Several medications are available to combat these affects and make living through the outbreak much easier.

Medications:

Pain medications such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to decrease pain Antiviral medications such as Acyclovir (Zovirax), Valacyclovir (Valtrex), and Famciclovir (Famvir) Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone and prednisone taken orally or by injection Topical antibiotics applied to the skin to prevent bacterial infection on open and leaking blisters

Drugs for Postherpetic Neuralgia:

Acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen Antidepressants, such as amitriptyline Analgesics Topical medications, such as a lidocaine patch Anticonvulsants, such as gabapentin or pregabalin (Lyrica) Corticosteroids, such as prednisone Nerve block Opioids, such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine

The Zostavax Vaccine:

Licensed in 2006, a chickenpox booster vaccine called Zostavax was released to combat the zoster virus. Studies proved that the vaccine thwarted the infection in 50% of people age 60 and older as well as proving to lessen the severity of the pain associated with it. However, those suffering from allergies to such things as gelatin or antibiotics such as neomycin were contraindicated.

Contraindications:

Immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS Drug treatments that affect the immune system such as steroids, radiation, or chemotherapy History of leukemia or lymphoma Active TB Expectant mothers

Pregnancy should not be considered for at least 12 weeks after receiving the Zostavax vaccine. In addition, those who have experienced a recent illness should avoid receiving the booster shot until a full and complete recovery has been made. This tip is especially true for those who experienced a fever during their recent illness.

As with all medications there are some risks involved that you should familiarize yourself with.

Mild problems include: Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the injection site and headache.

Severe Reactions: Respiratory distress, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, rapid heart rate, and dizziness. These symptoms would manifest within a few hours of being vaccinated.

Contact your health care provider if you think a shingles infection is about to take place. Early and fast treatment can prevent serious complications.

Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse who loves to share her knowledge about Shingles Vaccine Side Effects with others. You can find all her articles including Shingles Symptoms and Signs on Clivir.com.