So, I got Shingles

[PoorSucker]

1 minute ago, Sheryl said:

I Suggested topical  lidocainefor pain, not itching. Shingles does not usually itch. 

Got Vilerm 800mg tablets, Vilerm cream.

Pregabalin 150mg and Naproxen 250 for pain

[newbee2022]

23 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Have you consulted a doctor?

 

It is important to start antiviral medication within 72 hours, not only shortens the duration but more importantly decreases the risk of long term complications. However there are contraindications to these drugs (e.g. kidney disease) so medical supervision is wise.

 

Besides antivrals, drugs like gabaoentin may be given to reduce pain,  as well as paracetemol and/or NSAIDs.

 

I found topical lidocaine applied to the rash helped a lot.

 

Topical treatment (antibiotic) is in most cases sufficient. Cooling (anti itching) lotions in addition. 

No need to swallow any antiviral drugs

[Stevemercer]

Get the vaccine. There is some evidence to suggest the vaccine may also help against dementia.

[Watawattana]

I got shingles, and it affected my eyes (keratitis).  I luckily went to my GP almost immediately I got symptoms; I was told that if I'd delayed I'd likely have been rendered blind.  I got a bit lucky.  I still have minor symptoms, with nerve endings pinging away every so often and sensitive and itchy skin around my forehead.  Not annoying enough to bother about.  I got the vaccine just in case.

[johng]

2 hours ago, Stevemercer said:

Get the vaccine.

What is the point of getting the vaccine  whist you are suffering from the disease it is supposed to stop you from getting in the first place ? 

[lou norman]

3 hours ago, PoorSucker said:

Got Vilerm 800mg tablets, Vilerm cream.

Pregabalin 150mg and Naproxen 250 for pain

Pregabalin really helps with the pain, but is quite addictive. I speak from personal experience. Be careful.

[Lacessit]

5 hours ago, KhunLA said:

How do they tell if something is effective vs one's natural immune system ?  Especially for something like shingles.

Medical studies are based on a test group, and a control group given a placebo.

 

It doesn't take long for statistically significant differences to appear, if the medication or vaccine is effective.

[johng]

1 hour ago, Lacessit said:

Medical studies are based on a test group, and a control group given a placebo.

 

So not 8 mice ?

[GroveHillWanderer]

14 hours ago, short-Timer said:

I've haven't had it again since then, luckily. My doctor advised against getting the vaccine at this point, as he believes I’ve developed natural immunity. He also mentioned that the vaccine’s efficacy is only around 50%, which is relatively low compared to many other vaccines.

That's the older vaccine, Zostavax. For the newer Shingrix vaccine, the following is the info: 

 

Quote

Shingrix, the recombinant zoster vaccine, demonstrates high efficacy against shingles (herpes zoster). In immunocompetent individuals aged 50 and older, it shows over 90% efficacy. 

 

[thailand49]

I got it 2004, just over 50, my dad had just passed away I remember that day well I remember being constantly being punched in the side and back. in bathroom I pull up my shirt and notice the rash starting called up doctor went in confirmed he gave me some pills and ask how I know years back I remember my mother had it.

I have a high tolerance for pain aside from the pills given I never took anything even continue working my labor job.

I took a co-worker advice to soak daily in cool water with baby oil to ease the itching it really helped I believe it also helped with the scarring after two weeks Dr. Visit it was as if I never had it.

When vaccine came I declined so far so good.🤔