Arch Intern Med
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The risk factors for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of herpes zoster, have not been well established. ⋯ Increased age and prodromal symptoms are associated with higher prevalence of PHN 1 and 2 months after onset of zoster. Overall, systemic acyclovir appears not to confer any protection against PHN, although benefit among elderly patients cannot be excluded.