Shingles! Do I need antivirals?

[HamCob]

So woke up today with shingles on my left - waistband area. Raised red blisters in a line so fairly confident that's what they are. Had them years ago and they looked similar.

Called my GP to find out whether I should take anything for them but was told that they couldn't speak to me until next week by which time it will be too late to start antivirals.

Tried NHS 111 online and it says contact your GP as soon as possible

Don't think I'm going to bother with them as they're slightly painful but I feel ok otherwise and I can't be bothered with going to a walk in centre- it's ok not to take them though isn't it?! I don't need them for any reason other than if I feel rubbish do I? The NHS website implies I should get some ASAP!

When I had them on my face around my eye I had antivirals within 2 hours of calling 111. I had to send photos, for it to be confimed as was during lockdown.

I would speak to them and get it checked.

The medication only works if you get it within about 24 hours of the rash.

I'm really surprised by your post... if you've had it before you were VERY lucky if it was only "slightly painful." For most, it's agonising, and the medicine severely reduces the time you're in agony.

I'd go to the walk on centre for antivirals. My fil had shingles really badly and had lost the sight in one eye, he was in agony. Anything to prevent a bad attack...!

I had the blisters in the same place and it started out slightly painful. I got the antivirals within 24 hours and goodness knows what it would have been like without them as it turned into the most agonising pain ever.

I had anti viral medication and they gave me really strong codeine to help with the pain. I had a really bad case with my whole leg and genitals covered.

I feel really sorry for you, shingles is awful and so painful, get better soon. I’d ring 111 now.

Here's the spots - just feels like sunburn at the minute.
I've called 111. Ive got to wait for a call back from a clinician. No appointments tonight so looking unlikely I'll get hold of any until tomorrow

@CatJumperTwat

The medication only works if you get it within about 24 hours of the rash.

I'm really surprised by your post... if you've had it before you were VERY lucky if it was only "slightly painful." For most, it's agonising, and the medicine severely reduces the time you're in agony.

Yes lots of people have said this. I started to doubt I had them but the GP said that's what they were. I had them in my bra strap area last time. I'm just hoping this goes the same way as it sounds awful!

I've had shingles twice, twice confirmed by a DR and two lots of antivirals. It was a mild itch and no pain either time (first time I actually went about something else and just happened to mention the new rash). So don't rule it out just on the lack of pain. The antivirals are meant to help avoid any long term side effects so worth getting hold of if you can.

I once bought cold sore cream to help with my rash. Can you get cold sore tablets otc now?

I had shingles a couple of months ago and the doctors refused to give me antivirals as I wasn't old enough! Apparently I had to be over 50.

Another one who has had shingles (confirmed by GP) and didn't have any pain. Just a mild sunburn type feeling before the blisters appeared and then massive blisters which were irritating but didn't hurt.

My DH had it a couple of weeks ago, looked exactly like your picture in a strip on his torso and on the same side on his back. GP wasn't interested, it was painful for him but not agonising and was scabbed over after about a week

I've just double-checked with the NHS website...
You can start antivirals up to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms, so you still have time to get them - and they do help reduce symptoms.

Oh, and don't forget you are infectious until all is the blisters have scabbed over.

The sooner you get antivirals the better.

I would push for the antivirals if you can. I had it a few years ago and the antivirals worked well, think I had them in 48 hours, just a bit itchy and was over quickly. My mum on the other hand didn't catch it in time for antivirals and was in agony for weeks.

@Sideswiped

Oh, and don't forget you are infectious until all is the blisters have scabbed over.

You can't catch shingles from shingles. You can catch chicken pox from shingles but only if you basically burst the blisters and lick the contents.

Yes, but you need them quickly for them to do any good and reduce the severity of the attack

Really surprised at GPs refusing antivirals.
I had shingles (I was 27), rang 111 and they booked me an emergency appt with my GP the next morning to get antivirals. I was directed to sit in an isolation room when I got there.
I was in alot of pain though, got them both sides of my ribcage.

I had shingles in my mouth a few years ago. Originally I was misdiagnosed with tonsillitis as it's so rare in the mouth. As a result I was late starting antivirals. I've never been so poorly in my life and 6 years later I still have neuralgia from it. I would take them if you can.

@ItsSnowJokes, did I say shingles? 🤔