Shingles Can Be Serious: In-Home Help for Adults in OKC

If you’re over 50 and living in Oklahoma City, there’s a common virus you probably haven’t thought about since childhood — and it could cause serious pain later in life. It’s called shingles, and nearly 1 in 3 adults will experience it during their lifetime.

At Saving Grace OKC, we provide in-home healthcare services to help adults stay ahead of shingles and its complications. That includes in-home shingles vaccines, urgent care visits for active flare-ups, and guidance on prevention — all from the comfort of your home.


What Is Shingles?

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox (often as a child), the virus doesn’t fully leave your body. Instead, it stays dormant in your nervous system and can reactivate decades later as shingles.

Shingles typically appears as a painful, blistering rash on one side of the body or face. But it’s not just a skin issue. For many people, the pain begins before the rash and can last long after it’s gone.


Who Is at Risk for Shingles?

Anyone who’s had chickenpox can develop shingles, but the risk increases with age. Adults 50 and older are most at risk, especially if they have:

  • A weakened immune system
  • Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, cancer)
  • High levels of stress
  • A history of serious illness or recent surgery

In fact, the CDC recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults age 50+, even if they’re healthy.


What Are the Symptoms of Shingles?

Shingles symptoms usually develop in stages:

  1. Early symptoms (1–3 days before rash):
    • Tingling, itching, or burning in one area
    • Fatigue or low-grade fever
    • Pain or sensitivity to touch
  2. Rash stage (3–5 days):
    • Red rash with fluid-filled blisters
    • Usually appears in a stripe on one side of the body
    • May appear on the torso, neck, or face
  3. Healing and complications:
    • Blisters scab over in 7–10 days
    • Pain may linger for weeks, months, or even years

The most common complication is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) — long-lasting nerve pain that occurs after the rash has healed. PHN can be debilitating and difficult to treat.


How Shingles Affects Daily Life

For many adults, shingles brings more than physical discomfort. The pain can disrupt:

  • Sleep
  • Work
  • Daily tasks like dressing or bathing
  • Mental health and mood

Even after the visible symptoms are gone, the nerve pain can linger, affecting your quality of life and independence. That’s why prevention is key — especially for aging adults who want to stay active and in control of their health.


The Shingles Vaccine: Your Best Line of Defense

The best way to avoid the pain and complications of shingles is to get vaccinated. The CDC recommends Shingrix, a two-dose shingles vaccine for adults 50 and older, even if:

  • You’ve already had shingles
  • You’ve received the older Zostavax vaccine
  • You’re not sure if you had chickenpox

Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. And the best part? With Saving Grace, you can receive the vaccine right at home.


Why More OKC Adults Choose In-Home Care with Saving Grace

At Saving Grace, we believe healthcare should come to you — especially when it comes to preventive care. That’s why we offer:

  • In-home shingles vaccines with licensed medical professionals
  • Same-day and next-day appointments
  • Flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends
  • Follow-up care and urgent treatment for shingles flare-ups
  • Peace of mind without the waiting room

If you’re recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or just want to avoid the hassle of a clinic, we’ll meet you where you are.


Already Have Shingles? Here’s How We Can Help

If you’re experiencing the early signs of shingles — burning, tingling, or a rash — don’t wait. The sooner you receive antiviral treatment, the better your chances of a shorter illness and fewer complications.

Our in-home urgent care team can:

  • Assess your symptoms
  • Provide prescription antiviral medications
  • Help manage pain and discomfort
  • Monitor your recovery from home

No need to drive across town or sit in a crowded waiting room while in pain.


House Calls Are Back® — and Prevention Starts Now

Shingles can hit when you least expect it — but you don’t have to wait for it to happen. With Saving Grace, prevention is easy, convenient, and designed to protect your lifestyle as you age.

If you’re 50 or older and living in the Oklahoma City metro, schedule your in-home shingles vaccine today. Protect your health, your time, and your future — without ever stepping foot in a clinic.

Saving Grace makes prevention personal. Because House Calls Are Back®, and your comfort comes first.