What is shingles (herpes zoster)?
Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox resolves, the virus stays dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate years later, usually as a band of painful blisters on one side of the body or face. Many people feel burning, tingling, or itching in the area a few days before the rash appears. Most cases are most contagious until the blisters crust over, and a typical antiviral course lasts 7 days.
How online shingles prescriptions work
You complete a secure online assessment describing your rash, when it started, your symptoms, allergies, medications, kidney history, and pharmacy preference. A licensed physician reviews the information and may follow up if more detail is needed. If your symptoms fit uncomplicated shingles and there are no safety concerns, the clinician can send an electronic antiviral prescription to your selected pharmacy for same-day pickup in most cases. Because antivirals work best within 72 hours of the rash, starting quickly matters.
Vyta.co does not automatically prescribe antivirals. If your answers suggest involvement near the eye or face, a widespread rash, a weakened immune system, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or another complicating factor, the clinician may recommend in-person care instead.
Pharmacy pickup
Clinician-reviewed
No charge if not prescribed
When online shingles treatment is appropriate
Telehealth may be appropriate for adults with a typical, recent, one-sided shingles rash on the trunk, limb, or buttock, especially when the rash started within the last few days and there are no warning signs.
Your clinician reviews the full intake before deciding whether an antiviral is appropriate, since early treatment can shorten the illness and may lower the chance of lingering nerve pain.
When to see a doctor in person
Online care is not right for every shingles rash. Seek in-person care if any of the following apply.
- Rash near the eye, forehead, or tip of the nose, or any eye pain or vision change
- Rash on the ear or face with facial weakness, hearing change, or dizziness
- A widespread rash, a severely weakened immune system, or pregnancy or breastfeeding
First-line antivirals for shingles
For uncomplicated shingles, clinicians commonly consider valacyclovir, famciclovir, or acyclovir, in line with current guidance. Valacyclovir is typically taken as 1,000 mg three times daily for seven days, famciclovir as 500 mg three times daily for seven days, and acyclovir as 800 mg five times daily for seven days. All three work best when started within 72 hours of the rash, though a clinician may still treat later if new blisters are appearing.
Antivirals are cleared by the kidneys, so your clinician asks about kidney problems and adjusts the dose if needed. Staying well hydrated is encouraged. Over-the-counter pain relief can help, and your clinician chooses the medication and duration based on your symptoms, kidney function, other medications, and allergies.
What about pain after the rash heals?
Some people have nerve pain that lingers in the same area after the rash clears; this is called post-herpetic neuralgia, and it becomes more common with age. Starting antivirals early may reduce the risk. If pain persists after the rash heals, contact your clinician; options range from over-the-counter relief to prescription treatments for nerve pain.
Is shingles contagious, and can it be prevented?
You cannot catch shingles from someone else, but the virus in the blisters can cause chickenpox in a person who has never had it or been vaccinated. Keep the rash covered until it crusts over and avoid contact with newborns, pregnant people, and anyone immunocompromised. The recombinant shingles vaccine is recommended for most adults 50 and older to help prevent future episodes.
