shingles virus

[dustoffer]

There is a vaccination (Zostavax) for shingles but is not recommended for folks until age 60. Just got mine last month.

[Outbreaker]

I had no earthly idea that folks as young as some of you could get shingles. I always thought it was a condition reserved for older folks who have had chicken pox at some time in their lives. My birthday present to myself on my 60th birthday was a shingles vaccination. I've never had shingles but know a lot who have had it. Heartfelt sympathy for those of you who get it.

I have a feeling it deals with the Chicken Pox vaccine. Vaccines never give as good of immunity as wild type virus does.

And since this vaccine can lead to shingles........the tea leaves are telling me that this is the reason. Will probably need to vaccinate every 10-15 years to keep it away.

[kgrutzmacher]

Got it for the 1st time at 47 - really irritating pain on the chest and back. Did not know what it was until about 4 days in and finally got the meds that helped. Will probably take the shot once I hit 50 - have a stash of the anti-viral med ready if it comes back.

[HUNTIN HARD]

Our neighbor has been basically out of commission for a few months with shingles. From what her husband said it attacked the nerves in her neck and one side of her face. I've never known anyone who had it before but sounds pretty rough.

About 10 years ago this is exactly where mine was. Neck, face, and in my ear, Dr said it was the worse case he has ever seen. Worse pain I have ever been in, still have scares on the back of my neck. I was off work for 5 weeks.

[LWC]

Had it when I was 18 on one side of chest and back. Have a few scars but wasn't too bad back then. 41 now and hope I don't get it again.

[Draco]

My best friend, Andy, has his first case right now and says it's the most painful thing he's ever had. His is on his lower back, around his side and down the inside of his leg.

[joe_doss]

Got it the first time when I was 16 in the exact same location as you. Went 2 weeks thinking it was poison ivy, it was awful (plus all the doctors treated me like a science experiment since I was so young). Took about 6 weeks to fully heal. Doc told me then that if you can treat it within the first 72 hours it will usually clear up pretty quick. Got it the second time when I was 27 but knew exactly what it was. Got some medicine on board within 48 hours and it cleared up fast and never hurt.

[Jakesfish]

My first time was 55, omg, I dont wish this on anyone... I hurt and each time it would start to heal, it would crack, and dannnnnnnnng, the pain would start all over again...
I would heal one area, and it would start close to it in another...

[DBLHKUP]

I'm 42 and came down with it last Thurs night. Same went to urgent care first thing Fri am, Doctor took a quick look, less than a minute and said yep - shingles. Got on the Meds, wanted to itch it all day Fri, kept myself from doing so. I caught it early, had two decent sized areas, one beneath my right peck (rib area) and the other directly across on my back just beneath my rt shoulder blade. Felt crappy Sat, Sunday felt better and today even better. I'm noticing the areas look to be drying up. Glad I went in early, b/c I hear it can really get nasty.

[SCREAMINREELS]

Shingles sucks. I've never had it but have met alot of folks with it. I saw one that had it in the ear/moved to the brain a smart ER doc caught it. Wierdest one I've seen

Seen folks hospitalized getting close to the eyes but the ear to brain takes the Cake. We're taught the basic dermatomes and usually when someone comes in it's on the trunk.

[Elite0429]

I'm 42 and came down with it last Thurs night. Same went to urgent care first thing Fri am, Doctor took a quick look, less than a minute and said yep - shingles. Got on the Meds, wanted to itch it all day Fri, kept myself from doing so. I caught it early, had two decent sized areas, one beneath my right peck (rib area) and the other directly across on my back just beneath my rt shoulder blade. Felt crappy Sat, Sunday felt better and today even better. I'm noticing the areas look to be drying up. Glad I went in early, b/c I hear it can really get nasty.

Wish mine would hurry up and start feeling better!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[Texas276]

Valtrex to cure it and there is a shingles vaccine now. I had it when I was about 35yrs. Earlier you go to the doc, the better if you think you have it.

[doghouse]

I've had them and don't wish the disease on anyone. It knocked me out of work for 3 days and I work for myself. Good luck if you have a case of them.