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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Will Antiviral Medication Help Deal With Mild Fever And Body Pain?

I was suffring from Mild fever and body pain for 5 days on forth day found some blisters on my chest and back when consulted local physician precscried 4 Antiviral 500 for 4 Days. He suspects harpes whether the dose is sufficiant? what is the test to confirm harpes + ? please recommand
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 12 May 2014 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 13 May 2014 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello!
I read carefully your query.

From the medical data you provided I think it might be Herpes Zoster.

If the rash has appeared, identifying this disease (making a differential diagnosis) requires only a visual examination, since very few diseases produce a rash in a dermatomal pattern.

Laboratory tests are available to diagnose herpes zoster. The most popular test detects VZV-specific IgM antibody in blood; this appears during chickenpox and herpes zoster.

Since the rash in this disease is very characteristic the physical examination is sufficient to make a diagnosis.

The aims of treatment are to limit the severity and duration of pain, shorten the duration of a shingles episode, and reduce complications.

Usually is prescribed Acyclovir 800 mg orally every 4 hours (5 times a day) for 7 to 10 days.
People with mild to moderate pain can be treated with over-the-counter analgesics. Topical lotions containing calamine can be used on the rash or blisters and may be soothing. Occasionally, severe pain may require an opioid medication, such as morphine. Once the lesions have crusted over, capsaicin cream (Zostrix) can be used.

I suggest to discuss these options with your treating doctor.

Hope my answer has helped you.
Take care.
Dr.Rovena


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Will Antiviral Medication Help Deal With Mild Fever And Body Pain?

Hello! I read carefully your query. From the medical data you provided I think it might be Herpes Zoster. If the rash has appeared, identifying this disease (making a differential diagnosis) requires only a visual examination, since very few diseases produce a rash in a dermatomal pattern. Laboratory tests are available to diagnose herpes zoster. The most popular test detects VZV-specific IgM antibody in blood; this appears during chickenpox and herpes zoster. Since the rash in this disease is very characteristic the physical examination is sufficient to make a diagnosis. The aims of treatment are to limit the severity and duration of pain, shorten the duration of a shingles episode, and reduce complications. Usually is prescribed Acyclovir 800 mg orally every 4 hours (5 times a day) for 7 to 10 days. People with mild to moderate pain can be treated with over-the-counter analgesics. Topical lotions containing calamine can be used on the rash or blisters and may be soothing. Occasionally, severe pain may require an opioid medication, such as morphine. Once the lesions have crusted over, capsaicin cream (Zostrix) can be used. I suggest to discuss these options with your treating doctor. Hope my answer has helped you. Take care. Dr.Rovena