Shingles

Shingles is often an uncomfortable and painful condition, and knowing how to manage your symptoms can be difficult. Here at Pharmacy+Health, our team is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to help you feel better in no time.

Our pharmacies offer NHS Pharmacy First service, which means our pharmacists are able to provide effective shingles medication. We can recommend and provide effective treatments for shingles without you needing to see your GP first. Book an appointment or visit your nearest Pharmacy+Health to find out more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Age and weak immune system increase your risk of getting shingles. Although anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles, your risk of developing shingles increases with age. Most people get shingles in their 50s or later in life. It’s rare to get shingles before 40 years of age.

  • Aciclovir 200mg – 800mg tablets/dispersible tablets
  • Valaciclovir

People who never had chickenpox or didn’t get chickenpox vaccine can get infected with VZV from someone who has shingles. These people can get the virus through direct contact with the fluid from shingles rash blisters or breathing in virus particles that come from the blisters. If they get infected, they will develop chickenpox, not shingles. They could then develop shingles later in life.

People with chickenpox are more likely to spread VZV than people with shingles.

This Pharmacy First Service gives you the option of visiting your local Pharmacy+Health branch and get a consultation from our pharmacist for common conditions. Advice is always free and where necessary they can supply medicines. The NHS prescription charge or patient exemption also applies to medicines supplied through the Pharmacy First Service. Those who are exempt from prescription charges for NHS will receive medication free of charge.