Shingles in BASILDON

About this service at Whitmore Pharmacy - Basildon

Shingles (herpes zoster) is an infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in nerve roots and can reactivate decades later, typically triggered by stress, aging, illness, or lowered immunity. Shingles typically affects a specific nerve band (dermatome) on one side of the body or face. Early symptoms include tingling, burning, numbness, or sharp nerve pain in a localized area, followed 1 to 5 days later by a distinctive rash of red spots that develop into fluid-filled blisters that eventually burst and crust over. Under the NHS Pharmacy First service, an accredited pharmacist assesses the rash. If diagnosed within 72 hours of the rash appearing, starting oral antiviral medication (such as Aciclovir or Valaciclovir) significantly reduces the severity, duration of the outbreak, and risk of persistent nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). The pharmacist can supply NHS antivirals directly under the national clinical pathway.

How to book Shingles

• 1Select an available time slot online at Whitmore Pharmacy - Basildon.
• 2Receive instant SMS & email appointment confirmation.
• 3Attend your consultation at 418 WHITMORE WAY, BASILDON.