A patient on the treatment even if he just has a hunch that they have shingles, to prevent further complications.
However, many doctors may not want to prescribe aciclovir if they think that 48-hour golden window of opportunity has passed.
And some patients may not realise they need to see a GP until it is too late. The result is the sufferer will have to battle the virus unaided, and then live with any long-term complications.
Strong painkillers such as Tramadol and even a cream made of chilli peppers called capsaicin, which is believed to act on nerve endings gradually reducing pain signals to the brain. Capsaicin is available over the counter or via your GP.
Anyone who begins to suffer post-shingles pain may be offered amitriptyline - an antidepressant that is also effective in switching off pain at the root of the nerve itself.
But for many people, finding a cure for their burning pain is a never-ending search.
Help The Aged produces a helpful leaflet on the condition and The British Pain Society has details of specialist NHS Pain clinics where sufferers can get advice on managing long-term pain.
Practical tips include keeping sores clean and avoiding scented toiletries. Soothe the rash with ice cubes wrapped in a flannel or teatowel and placed in a plastic bag (to avoid dripping), a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, or apply a lotion (such as calamine).
There is some good news: some studies have found an amino acid called lysine, which can be bought as a supplement or found naturally in dairy products, can help prevent recurrence, shorten healing time and the severity of symptoms.
FV 100 looks like it will be very potent (more than 10,000 times as strong as aciclovir), safe and could prevent long-term pain, too. It could be on the market by 2010.
In terms of prevention, there is a shingles vaccine, but it is not currently licensed for use in the UK.
In the U.S., where it is available, research suggests it could be cost- effective compared to the price of looking after sufferers with long-term complications.
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