The management of shingles

Learning Objectives

After completing this module pharmacy technicians will be able to:    

• Recognise the signs and symptoms of shingles
• Offer practical advice to patients with shingles
• Explain the changes being made to vaccination provision.

Key facts

• Shingles is a reactivation of a previous chickenpox infection and is more likely to occur in older people
• Actively encouraging eligible patients to have the shingles vaccine is a key public health intervention
• Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with aciclovir can reduce the severity and duration of shingles.