Suggest Treatment For Shingles In An Elderly Person

Posted on Fri, 20 Jan 2017

Question: Hello, I have been in contact with someone who had shingles recently and am wondering if it can be transmitted. I have not been feeling well and now have irritations on my face and neck. I am a 69 year old female. I am also wondering if I should get the vaccine if it turns out I do not have shingles at present. I will visit my doctor when she is back from holiday.

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, you may get your shingles vaccine.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your concerns with us,

I have read through your query and can certainly understand your concern,

First and foremost, let me tell you, you do not get shingles just because you came into contact with someone infected as you have already got your chicken pox hen you were young. If you had not had your chicken pox earlier, you might get infected with chicken pox on contact with a person with shingles.

The criteria is that, once affected with chicken pox, the virus responsible- varicella zoster, will remain inactive in your nerves throughout the lifetime. It may get active later in life due to weakened immune system or due to other chronic debilitating diseases, but not due to contact.

But since you are in an age group of above 50, it is advisable to take shingles vaccine. You can discuss this with your treating doctor and get a shingles vaccination done. This will not as such prevent or cure shingles, but it will reduce the symptoms and complications to an extend.

Hope I have answered to your query,

Please feel free to discuss further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (9 hours later)

Hello Dr., Thank you for your explanation. I woke this morning with the rash a little more pronounced, especially on my neck area. I will try to get get to the doctor as soon as possible. Other symptoms are a very dry scratchy throat and very thirsty. Thanks again, Best Regards, XXXXXXX Corris

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Kindly upload a pic

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Thanks for writing back,

I am sorry to hear that your symptoms are progressing. From the sound of it, you may have shingles,, but it is not possible for me to say unless I am able to get a look at the rashes..

If possible, kindly upload the picture of the rashes, wherever it is present.

Anyways, it would be for your best to reach out to a doctor in your area and get it looked out and get the treatment accordingly..

Hope this helps

Please feel free to discuss further or else kindly close and give your feedback.

Wishing you a speedy recovery

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (19 hours later)

Hello Dr. Remy
I have visited my family doctor and I do not have shingles. Today I was much better and the rash is slowly disappearing. A mild lotion with colloidal oatmeal has helped. Thank you for your advice.

Best Regards, XXXXXXX Corris

ps. I have also received the singles shot today

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Warm regards

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for keeping me posted,

Its good to hear that your symptoms have improved. Its also good that you have taken your shingles shot.

Stay healthy and be happy :)

Kindly close and give your feedback.

Warm regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy