Flu jab

Yes, JenniferEccles, you need to take the antivirals within the first 72 hours. I got an emergency appointment with my dentist because the Shingles gave me toothache in all my top teeth on one side, so I thought I had a bad dental problem. When she looked in my mouth, she saw the rash on the roof of my mouth. She took x-rays just to make sure the teeth were all ok, which they were, and then she sent me straight off to the doctor for a prescription for antivirals.

The receptionist said she couldn't give me an appointment for 3 days, but the dentist had given me strict instructions to be assertive to get those antivirals in time, so I said I would sit there and wait because all I needed was the prescription and the dentist had typed up a report giving the diagnosis to hand over.

I'm eternally grateful to my dentist for her speedy diagnosis as apparently it's quite rare to have Shingles in one's mouth.

That's a really good helpful dentist.

I’ve just looked up the name of the anti viral. It’s Aciclovir. There are others apparently but that’s the one most commonly used. I’m going to make a note of it just in case as speed is of the essence.

The rash in your mouth must be so uncomfortable. I’m pleased you managed to take the medication in time. I hope it helps.
Well done your dentist, and you for being assertive!

Thanks @Kate1949, that answered my question. A friend recently had a severe bout of shingles not long after having the first jab so I was starting to worry, as mine was a few years back.

JenniferEccles

I’ve just looked up the name of the anti viral. It’s Aciclovir. There are others apparently but that’s the one most commonly used. I’m going to make a note of it just in case as speed is of the essence.

The rash in your mouth must be so uncomfortable. I’m pleased you managed to take the medication in time. I hope it helps.
Well done your dentist, and you for being assertive!

When I worked at a surgery I always made sure we kept some on the shelf because of the importance of taking it asap ( I used to get into trouble over it as it is quite expensive and it sometimes expired as we didn’t need it very often). Of course these days the problem is getting to see a doctor to prescribe it!

My dad died of pneumonia and I asked the Dr why as he was vaccinated. Apparently there are hundreds of different strains same as flu, so protection is limited. Flu vaccine is only 30% - 60%

There is viral and non viral pneumonia and the vaccine only helps with one of them unfortunately.

I’m sure plenty of patients were grateful that you had the foresight to order the shingles medication MayBe70