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Do High Fever And Chills While Drying Up Of Rashes Post Shingles Treatment A Cause For Concern?

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Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2023
Question: hello Dr... my dad started getting shooting pain from his lower back to the knee followed by appearance of rash last Sunday... on Monday he was diagnosed with herpes zoster and was put on zorivaz 800 mg four times a day along with muscle relaxants...after fourdays yesterday , we went for a follow up and while the rashes / blisters have dried up and Infact begun to heal, the doctor had asked us to discontinue zovirax after 4 days. but after we reached home he has started developing chills and fever upto 102 degrees. is this normal? what should I do??
He just had one episode of chill and we have been administering paracetamol every 4 hours plus one dose of dicloran a at 5 30 pm.trust this is fine
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:

Need to see a doctor.

Detailed Answer:

Hello!

I understand your concern. Shingles are sometimes accompanied by a fever and chills that may come and go but a fever of 102 is not usual, especially after treatment and when the rash has started to dry up, so it should be addressed and assessed as soon as possible.

It could either be a side effect of Zovirax or could be a secondary bacterial infection which would need a course of antibiotics.

If your father’s immune system is compromised, there is a higher chance the shingles may spread beyond the affected area, which can be very dangerous.

I strongly recommend you get your father to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Dr. Ornela Ademovi
General & Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

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Do High Fever And Chills While Drying Up Of Rashes Post Shingles Treatment A Cause For Concern?

Brief Answer: Need to see a doctor. Detailed Answer: Hello! I understand your concern. Shingles are sometimes accompanied by a fever and chills that may come and go but a fever of 102 is not usual, especially after treatment and when the rash has started to dry up, so it should be addressed and assessed as soon as possible. It could either be a side effect of Zovirax or could be a secondary bacterial infection which would need a course of antibiotics. If your father’s immune system is compromised, there is a higher chance the shingles may spread beyond the affected area, which can be very dangerous. I strongly recommend you get your father to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Take care, Dr. Ornela Ademovi General & Family Physician