Shingles - Page 3

qvcaddition · ‎03-10-2010

@lynnie61 wrote:
We got our shingles vaccines in 2021. Some family members have had very bad cases of shingles. Awful. I hope we never get shingles, but hope the vaccine would lessen the severity of it if we do. I think the only shot I still need is a pneumonia shot,oh and have to ask about RSV shot too.

I have every vaccine. Even ones you mentioned above. Up to date, except another Covid vaccine next week. My last one was in Nov 2023.

Had covid once last Mother's Day.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

I got shingles years ago when I was 30. Got diagnosed, doc gave me tons of meds to take. I was trying to get pregnant then and didn't take anything he gave me. My shingles was a very light case, nothing bad. Now that I'm old I do get my shingles vaccinations.

"Pure Michigan"

ThinkingOutLoud · ‎05-01-2020

@qvcaddition wrote:
@lynnie61
@lynnie61 wrote:
We got our shingles vaccines in 2021. Some family members have had very bad cases of shingles. Awful. I hope we never get shingles, but hope the vaccine would lessen the severity of it if we do. I think the only shot I still need is a pneumonia shot,oh and have to ask about RSV shot too.
I have every vaccine. Even ones you mentioned above. Up to date, except another Covid vaccine next week. My last one was in Nov 2023.Had covid once last Mother's Day.

I highly suggest you do some research before doing that. A lot of info has come out that should give people pause.

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

@kaydee50 wrote:
It is my understanding that vaccines don't necessarily protect one from getting a disease but will lessen the intensity of it. I had the Covid vaccines--3 of them--and still got it but nothing worse than a cold and it was over in a few days with no lasting effects.

I understand shingles can be very painful with long lasting consequences so if the vaccine prevents that from happening, it's worth it. BTW, I did get the shingles vaccine years ago and hopefully will never get it.

The Covid shots are not real vaccines. They will NOT prevent us from getting it at all, only lessen the severity.

@Toppers3 The Shingrex shot IS a true vaccine.

In adults 50 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective in preventing PHN; in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 89% effective. In adults with weakened immune systems, Shingrix was between 68% and 91% effective in preventing shingles, depending on their underlying immunocompromising condition.

Unfortunately, @qvcaddition you had a break through case. I'm so sorry and hope you feel better soon.

I agree w/ @Kachina624

My DH had shingles before he got the vaccination...and the Doc said the meds needed to be taken at the very onset.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@qvcaddition I also don't take medications unless they're absolutely necessary including vitamins.

I got shingles once while my husband and I took our grandkids alone on vacation for a week.

Shingles started out just being itchy and mildly painful. A few days later, they were extremely painful especially at night. I sat up awake three nights in a row and I was exhausted.

Finally, I went to the ER. I was given Valtrex. That medication worked wonderfully. A miracle drug.

The side effect was...no pain. Would I take it again. You bet I would.

Don't wait. Shingles pain can start out mild and work up to jaw dropping pain in days. Take the drugs!

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@qvcaddition wrote:
@Toppers3
@Toppers3 wrote:
@qvcaddition wrote:
I have Shingles even though I have been vaccinated, so it is not severe. My question is, has anyone taken anti viral pills? If so did you have any bad reaction from it?
I hate taking pills, except vitamins. I know everyone different, but I would like to know any reactions?
I'm holding off until Mothers Day to take, so I can go out to brunch. ThanK you for any answers.
I was shocked thinking the vaccine would help me not get shingles. Last year, I had covid on MD. Also vaccinated numerous times. It was not servere.

Hi @qvcaddition ,

I'm really sorry that you have Shingles.

Both the Covid vaccine and the Shingles vaccine are just supposed to make each virus less serious if you do get them. The shots are not preventative, meaning that you can still get the viruses. You're just not supposed to get as sick from the viruses because you got vaccinated. That's how the shots help.

Anyway, I did get a mild case of Shingles in June of last year.

I did take the generic version of an antiviral medication for Shingles. The name-brand is called Valtrex. I've taken it before for viral infections, and I've had no problems from it.

It's usually best to start taking the antiviral medication as soon as you first have Shingles so that it can start working right away. The sooner you take it--within a few days of your Shingles showing up--the more helpful the medication is with your Shingles side-effects.

When I took the medication right away as soon as I knew that I had Shingles and was diagnosed with it by a doctor, it helped to slow the spread of the Shingles outbreak spots and its symptoms, like burning and itching.
The Dr. just saw it yesterday. I couldn't get in to see her for a month, so I've had it for awhile, but not real bad. She prescribed the med you mentioned you had. No side effects?
If you can answer, I will start taking. I was waiting until after MD so I could go to brunch, but if no side effects, I will start tomorrow. Thank you.

@qvcaddition I would take the Valtrex with a meal. I like to take any meds with a meal unless directed otherwise. I have a paraesophageal hernia and need to but my DH can take horse medicine (joking) without food. I cannot do that. I even have to have milk with doxycycline which my doctors tell me is fine.

Nonametoday · ‎03-09-2010

@pdlinda wrote:
@Nonametoday I was never vaccinated and got a mild case of Shingles in 2022. I noticed a few eruptions on my face and near my ear. I had some ear pain. Everything was on one side. I saw a very small spot near my eye.

I immediately called my dermatologist (whom I think very highly of) and got appt that day.

I was STUNNED when he told me I had shingles!
He put me on the anti-viral the other posters mentioned and my daughter, who is a licensed nutritionist, suggested some herbal supplement that enhanced the effectiveness of the anti-viral. I started that immediately and I believe I took it for 5 days?

At the suggestion of my derm I also made an immediate appt with my opthamologist(who also saw me that day) to check whether there was any involvement of the shingles in my eye. He told me the tiny spot had nothing to do with shingles.

I had absolutely no adverse reaction to the anti-viral and after about 2 weeks, the 5 or 6 spots I had were gone. Never had a recurrance.

@pdlinda I had surgery 3-4 weeks ago and after a couple weeks my pain became like a burning fire and stinging. I knew what it was. I called my surgeon and described it. Shingles on a fresh surgical incision is not fun so he just telephoned my Rx immediately. I had a friend pick it up. I took 2 to begin with as directed.

Still Raining · ‎03-30-2014

Another consideration is not taking a chance of infecting an unvaccinated baby.

A friend of mine was told to not babysit her GS for a while. Guess it spreads by touch? Worth asking about.

ETA the concern is chickenpox, not shingles

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

I had Shingles in Oct 2018. I didn't have the oozing itchy rash.

Mine started out when we sat down to eat dinner. I had a pain on my right side that shot across to center of my back then on over to my left side? I thought it was heartburn or something at first.

I woke up the next morning (on a Sat) in excruciating pain. By Mon I couldn't deal with the pain so went to my doctor. I told him I was pretty sure I had Shingles. I had no rash so he said I didn't have Shingles? He sent me to the hospital to have an ultra sound plus some other test both negative.

1 week later I had a few red areas on my left side. One red area under left breast where I have had muscle spasms since, another red place on stomach & a couple red places on left back.

Went back to the doctor which now says I have Shingles so he gave me script for those pills. You are supposed to take them when you first know you have Shingles which for me was the first visit I had with him?

The minute I thought I had Shingles which was that Sat I rubbed tea tree oil all over my stomach, left side & back. I don't know if that's what kept me from having the rash all over or not.

I was in excruciating pain for at least 8-9 months. Missed Thanksgiving & Christmas that year plus most of the summer. My life was on hold. All I could think about was the pain?

No I didn't take the vaccine. No I'm not going to take the vaccine. First I don't like needles. Second I believe vaccines do more harm than good. I guess that's all I can say or this will go poof.