Shingles is usually taken as an antiviral for 7 days, and some patients may need to take it for about 10 to 14 days. Herpes zoster is a disease involving the nerves and skin caused by the varicella-zoster virus infection, the main symptom of which is pain, followed by redness and blisters on the surface of the skin. The vast majority of patients with shingles usually take antiviral medication for 7 days to clear the active virus from the body. However, for patients who are old and frail, immunocompromised, or have severe symptoms, the course of treatment needs to be extended appropriately, and it may be necessary to take the antiviral medication for about 10 to 14 days. Once shingles occurs, it is recommended to go to the hospital for treatment. Early treatment can help reduce the severity of the symptoms and also reduce the risk of related complications. Special care should be taken to avoid scratching and touching the skin during treatment to prevent spreading the virus through hand-to-hand contact.