Shingles can be treated if detected early. Acyclovir (Zovirax) has been the mainstay among the antivirals, but it needs to be taken five times a day. Valacyclovir (Valtrex) only needs to be taken three times a day, and in a head-to-head trial, it proved to be more effective than acyclovir. But valacyclovir is also more expensive, so your insurance may not cover it. Famciclovir (Famvir) is another antiviral, but there…