By Luke Benfield
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11 Apr, 2024
Shingles may sound ominous, but it is quite a common health condition, which is now covered under a free service called NHS Pharmacy First. In fact Pharmacy First covers the treatment of a total of 7 common health conditions, including shingles. NHS Pharmacy First is available at Pierremont Pharmacy! The recent introduction of this service means you can receive appropriate professional treatment for any of the 7 health-related concerns. This blog focuses on shingles which, as we have said, is covered by this new service. Shingles is caused by a viral infection. In fact its the same virus that causes chickenpox. Unusually, shingles only occurs in people who have suffered previously from chickenpox. As a result, shingles itself is not contagious however, you can catch chickenpox instead. So it's important to maintain good hygiene routines when in proximity to anyone with a current case of shingles. Caution is especially necessary for people who have compromised immune systems, to safeguard these people. Shingles presents as blisters following a nerve tract on the body, usually located on the chest, back or face.