 [ Symptoms ] i did not get shingles confirmed for two weeks the doctor did not give me a prescription would otc medicines help [ Disease ] when caught within the first 48 to 72 hours the administration of anti virals can help to weaken the virus after that period of time using anti virals is ineffective at this point treating your symptoms of pain become the primary concern not everyone develops post herpetic neuralgia but there is no way of determining who will keep yourself well hydrated and eat a healthy diet keeping yourself as healthy as possible and try to manage your stress as you continue to heal