Shingles PSA

[maillotpois]

You can get it under 50 or 60, but you need a prescription in order to do so.

[zoom-zoom]

I had shingles 3-4 years ago, in my mid-30s. Started as a crazy tingle on my abdomen, then an insane itch...I had a cluster of blisters, but none actually ruptured. I self-diagnosed myself once the little pink spots started and got into the med-center. Doc confirmed my diagnosis and got me on Valtrex (herpes med) immediately. I think that greatly shortened and lessened the severity of my outbreak.

My brother had a similar outbreak that he never had diagnosed. Fortunately our immune systems seem to have been strong enough to avoid serious outbreak. A friend of mine had shingles on her face and has permanent scarring. It's scary, since it can lead to blindness if it develops in a person's eye.

My MIL's boyfriend had it during a skiing trip and spent a few days in the hospital.

Definitely something to vaccinate against, if possible. I like to think that maybe I am at less risk of a future outbreak, since I've already had it once.

[Blueberry]

Thanks, MP. I'll definitely add this to the questions to ask my doc at my annual list

[nscrbug]

I got the chicken pox last April (I was 43 at the time) and that was miserable enough. I've heard that shingles is 10x worse than chicken pox. My primary doc insisted that I didn't need to get the vaccine just yet, but after reading this...I think I'll encourage him to write me a script for it at my next visit.

[GLC1968]

My dad had it on his back and shoulders a few years ago and he said it was dreadful. Luckily he lives in FL so he could spend his days shirtless (he's retired). When he had to get dressed, he was miserable. What was weird is that my mom never developed it even though she didn't have chicken pox until she was 39.

I'm going to ask my doc about a prescription at my next appointment. I thought you had to be over 60 for the vaccine as well. Good to know!

[Catrin]

Thank you for posting this information! I am 51 now, and still remember quite well the agony of chicken pox at 12 years old, and the secondary infections I developed from it. Thankfully my insurance covers the vaccine 100% as long as it is at my PCP office, otherwise they require prior authorization. I am due for a couple of other tests so I've scheduled it for next Friday morning.

It can't be as painful as that horrible antibiotic they gave me to fend off infection after the dog bite