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

Audience: pediatric

Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is a viral infection that causes a painful rash, often appearing as a stripe of blisters on one side of the body. It is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in the body. In children, shingles may be less common but can still occur, especially if the immune system is weak. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess symptoms, provide guidance on managing pain and rash, and decide if further care is needed. Preparing for the visit by gathering information about symptoms, rash appearance, and medical history helps make the appointment effective. Telemedicine can support early advice and triage but may not replace in-person exams when complications or severe symptoms arise. This guide helps families prepare for a video visit about shingles in children, understand what telemedicine can and cannot do, and know when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rash spreading rapidly or involving the eye area — seek urgent in-person care.
• High fever, confusion, or difficulty breathing — call emergency services immediately.
• Severe pain not controlled by medication or new weakness/numbness — arrange prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial visual assessment of rash and symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom management and skin care.
• Determining if antiviral treatment may be needed.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency help.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams or laboratory tests.
• Treating severe complications or infections.
• Administering injections or intravenous medications.
• Managing emergencies or rapidly worsening conditions.

What is Shingles (Herpes Zoster)?

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a child recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays inactive in nerve cells and can reactivate later as shingles. It usually causes a painful rash with blisters on one side of the body or face. The rash often lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Children with weakened immune systems are more at risk, but shingles can affect others too.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather information to share with the healthcare provider:

Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the video call and test your device's camera and microphone.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Shingles

During a video visit, the healthcare provider can:

When In-Person Care is Needed

Telemedicine cannot replace physical exams or treatments in some cases. Seek in-person care if your child:

After the Video Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the start date and progression of symptoms.
• Take clear photos of the rash if possible.
• List all current medications and health conditions.
• Prepare questions or concerns for the healthcare provider.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Test your device's camera and microphone before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow prescribed medication and care instructions.
• Keep the rash clean and avoid scratching.
• Monitor for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can children get shingles even if they never had chickenpox?

Shingles usually occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates in someone who had chickenpox before. However, children who have been vaccinated against chickenpox can still rarely get shingles because the vaccine contains a weakened virus that can also reactivate.

Is shingles contagious to others?

Shingles itself is not spread from person to person, but the virus can cause chickenpox in someone who has never had it or been vaccinated. Avoid direct contact with the rash, especially for people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and infants.

How long does shingles usually last in children?

The rash and symptoms typically last 2 to 4 weeks. Pain may continue for some time after the rash heals. Early treatment can help reduce the duration and severity.

What treatments are available for shingles in children?

Treatment may include antiviral medicines to reduce the virus activity, pain relievers, and skin care to keep the rash clean. A healthcare provider can advise on the best options based on the child's age and health.

When should I seek emergency care for my child with shingles?

Seek emergency care if your child has rash near the eyes, severe pain not relieved by medication, high fever, confusion, difficulty breathing, or signs of spreading infection.

Sources

1. Shingles (Herpes Zoster) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Shingles — Mayo Clinic.
4. Herpes Zoster (Shingles) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms, worsening condition, or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.