Is shingles a type of herpesvirus?
Shingles is more common in older adults and in people who have weakened immune systems. Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses, which includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. Because of this, shingles is also known as herpes zoster.
Can you have shingles and HSV at the same time?
Herpes labialis and herpes zoster have been estimated to occur in approximately 20–40% and 10–20% of the population, respectively. Simultaneous occurrence of both HSV and VZV has rarely been reported [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
Is Valtrex The only treatment for shingles?
Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes virus infections, including herpes labialis (also known as cold sores), herpes zoster (also known as shingles), and herpes simplex (also known as genital herpes) in adults. It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children.
How long does valtrex shingles last?
Doctors, for example, may prescribe the medication valaciclovir (Valtrex) when you have shingles to help reduce the duration of your symptoms. Valtrex is an antiviral medication that can help stop the shingles virus from replicating. The symptoms of shingles can last anywhere between 3 and 5 weeks .
Can shingles affect private parts?
A person can get shingles on the genital area, but this is uncommon. Aside from blisters, genital shingles may also cause bladder and bowel problems. While shingles can cause genital lesions, other conditions, such as syphilis and genital herpes, can also have a similar presentation.
How effective is valacyclovir for shingles?
It is also used to treat chickenpox and cold sores in children. In your body, valacyclovir becomes the anti-herpes medicine, acyclovir. Although valacyclovir will not cure shingles or genital herpes, it does help relieve the pain and discomfort and helps the sores heal faster.
How long does it take for valacyclovir to work on shingles?
Valacyclovir is usually prescribed for seven days for shingles, with a typical dosage of 1,000 mg three times per day. Just like with HSV-1 and HSV-2, it's important to start treatment as soon as you notice shingles symptoms.
What should I avoid while taking valacyclovir?
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Valtrex (Valacyclovir)? Avoid sexual intercourse or use a latex condom to help keep you from spreading the herpes virus to others. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes.
Diagnosis
Treatment
- There's no cure for shingles, but prompt treatment with prescription antiviral drugs can speed healing and reduce your risk of complications. These medications include: 1. Acyclovir (Zovirax) 2. Famciclovir 3. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) Shingles can cause severe pain, so your doctor also may prescribe: 1. Capsaicin topical patch (Qutenza) 2. Anticonvul...
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Taking a cool bath or using cool, wet compresses on your blisters may help relieve the itching and pain. And, if possible, try to reduce the amount of stress in your life.
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Some people have such mild symptoms of shingles that they don't seek medical treatment. At the other extreme, severe symptoms may result in a visit to the emergency room.