Do you get treatment for shingles or will they run a course?

Yes: Antiviral medicines, such as acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir, to reduce the pain and the duration of shingles. Otc acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen, to help reduce pain during an attack of shingles. Sometimes capsiacin. Topical antibiotics, applied directly to the skin, to stop infection of the blisters. For severe cases of shingles, some doctors may have their patient (controversial).

Treatment is not: necessarily required for the Shingles to run it's course. Although there is not a “cure” for shingles- Valacyclovir (Valtrex), Acyclovir (Zovirax) & Famciclovir (Famvir) can help symptoms. Narcotics (i.e., codeine), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (Neurontin) as well as localized numbing medications can be used for pain. Cool bath or compresses over the rash may V pain/

Vaccine: Agree with Dr. Fowler. Even if you had shingles, it would be prudent to get shingles vaccine.