Herpes zoster is spread in two main ways, either by direct contact with the blister fluid, or by the formation of an aerosol that is spread through the respiratory tract. Herpes zoster is primarily caused by the varicella zoster virus, and the typical symptoms of initial infection are usually unilateral, banded clusters of blisters, often accompanied by neuralgia. You can get shingles if you come into direct contact with the blister fluid from a shingles breakout, or if you inhale airborne varicella zoster virus into your respiratory tract. Shingles is usually treated with medications, such as acyclovir gel, vasiclovir hydrochloride tablets, and other antiviral medications, which can control further multiplication of the varicella-zoster virus and provide relief. If the pain symptoms are obvious, medications for pain relief such as amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets and pregabalin capsules can also be used to relieve the pain. Patients with herpes zoster are advised to avoid close contact with others, seek timely medical attention, and use medication as prescribed by the doctor to avoid delaying the condition.