When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor if you have pain or rash in a band on one side of your body. If you think you have shingles, you should be seen as soon as possible. Antiviral medication is effective only if given early (24-72 hours after the rash develops).

• If the rash with blisters is on your nose or near your eyes, you should be seen immediately because the virus may spread to the eye and cause eye damage or vision loss.



• You should also be seen as soon as possible if you have a medical illness that decreases your ability to fight off infection. You may be able to avoid complications if treated in the early stage of the disease.

Go to a hospital's emergency department if these conditions develop:

• pain, redness, or rash (with or without blisters) on the face, especially if near the eye(s);



• if you have shingles and a high fever or feel sick; or



• if the blisters are spreading to other areas of your body.

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Shingles - Effective Treatments

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