Doctor Lady mentioned that, but I already have it so not sure a $300 shot will do me any good.
More research necessary.
72 hour window, but it can be given later. It can make a difference as can the anti-viral pills (these are prescribed for herpes simplex virus also but are indicated for shingles).
Little kids who have not had chicken pox can get chicken pox from an adult with shingles.
Suggest the wikipedia article on shingles. Pretty helpful.
calamine, menthol muscle ache creme combined with capsicum (pepper) creme people use for joint pain— warms the skin and takes away the itch for a while. Pain first with wet blisters, then blisters burst (calamine soaks this up) and then they scab up, and itch like hell.
Peace.