People above the age of 80 (or 85) need to be wary about getting afflicted with shingles. The reason is that shingles is caused by the virus, varicella zoster virus, which is the reason for causing chicken pox in our childhood. This virus lies dormant in our body for ages and out of the blue will come back to haunt us in the form of shingles. Doctors say that when a person crosses the age of 85 his or her likelihood of getting affected with shingles increases by 50%. But in case you were not affected by chicken pox during your earlier years then the risk of shingles is also decreased.

Apart from age those who are more at risk are those with weaker body defense mechanisms (no matter what the root cause for it may be). Chronic usage of certain drugs is also bound to put you at risk. It is safe for people to know about the signs of shingles so that early treatment can be sought for. The initial symptoms are usually burning sensation on one side ranging from moderate to extreme. Tiny red rashes soon develop into big blisters. It may lead to further complications like facial paralysis or vision loss and hence is better to treat it immediately.

Those affected with shingles are advised doses of anti viral medicines. Some of the chemicals that are renowned to treat shingles are valacyclovir, acyclovir and famciclovir. Generic Valtrex is the cheapest medicine that makes use of valacyclovir to treat shingles. To stop the scratching the doctor may advice the use of certain antihistamines.

But as always, prevention is better than cure. Valacyclovir is a good drug for treating shingles but if an aged person steers clear of stress and keeps his immune system strong that this disease can be prevented. Vaccination can also prevent shingles.