How to prepare for a video visit about Shingles (Herpes Zoster) - Triage

Audience: adult

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, often appearing as a stripe on one side of the body. Preparing for a video visit about shingles can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, examine the rash through your camera, and discuss treatment options. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to get advice quickly, especially if symptoms are mild or you need guidance on managing pain and preventing complications. However, if you experience severe symptoms or warning signs, you may need in-person care. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for shingles, and know when to seek urgent medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rash spreading rapidly or covering large areas of the body — seek urgent medical care.
• Vision changes, eye pain, or rash near the eyes — get immediate in-person evaluation to prevent complications.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with severe headache or confusion — seek emergency care promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of rash and symptoms.
• Providing guidance on symptom management and medication use.
• Answering questions about shingles and its course.
• Monitoring mild to moderate symptoms over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical tests or laboratory diagnostics.
• Treating severe complications such as eye involvement or neurological symptoms.
• Managing severe pain requiring advanced interventions.
• Providing emergency or hospital-level care.

What is Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in your nerves and can reactivate years later as shingles. It usually causes a painful rash with blisters on one side of the body or face. Other symptoms may include itching, burning, or tingling before the rash appears.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit space where you can clearly show the affected area to your healthcare provider. Have your medical history ready, including any previous chickenpox or shingles episodes, current medications, allergies, and other health conditions. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you've tried. Make sure your device is charged and your internet connection is stable.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and may ask you to show the rash clearly on camera. They will assess the rash's appearance and discuss your pain level. Based on this, they may recommend antiviral medications, pain relief, or other treatments. They will also advise you on how to care for your skin and prevent spreading the virus to others.

When Telemedicine is Not Enough

If you have severe pain, widespread rash, difficulty seeing, fever, or signs of infection like increased redness or swelling, you may need urgent in-person care. Telemedicine cannot perform physical tests or provide emergency treatments. Your provider will guide you if a face-to-face visit or hospital care is necessary.

Managing Shingles After the Visit

Follow your provider's instructions carefully, take medications as prescribed, and keep the rash clean and dry. Avoid scratching or picking the blisters. Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new symptoms promptly. Rest and manage pain with approved methods. If you have questions after the visit, contact your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the video visit.
• Have your device fully charged or plugged in.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how they have changed.
• Gather information about your medical history, including previous chickenpox or shingles episodes.
• Have a way to show the rash clearly on camera (e.g., clean the area, good lighting).
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Take prescribed antiviral and pain medications as directed.
• Keep the rash clean and dry; avoid scratching or picking at blisters.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes or worsening.
• Follow up with your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms appear.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the virus to others.
• Rest and maintain a healthy diet to support recovery.

FAQs

Can shingles be treated through a video visit?

Yes, many cases of shingles can be initially assessed and managed through telemedicine. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms, view the rash, and prescribe antiviral medications or pain relief as appropriate. However, severe cases or complications may require in-person care.

How soon should I have a video visit after noticing symptoms?

It is best to seek medical advice as soon as you notice symptoms of shingles, especially the rash and pain. Early treatment with antiviral medications is more effective when started within 72 hours of rash onset.

Can shingles spread to other people?

Shingles itself is not contagious, but the varicella-zoster virus can spread to people who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, causing chickenpox. Avoid direct contact with the rash, especially for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants.

What should I do if my rash is near my eyes?

Rash near or on the eyes can lead to serious complications. You should seek urgent in-person medical care rather than relying solely on telemedicine.

Will I have shingles again after this episode?

Most people have shingles only once, but it is possible to have more than one episode. Vaccination can reduce the risk of recurrence and complications.

Sources

1. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Shingles: Overview and Facts — Mayo Clinic.
4. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.