FabSwingers.com forum: Shingles

By *hirley OP Man
over a year ago

somewhere

Recently I had this virus, I wasn't at all knowledgeable of it, I had only heard of its existence. It was very painful and still, some weeks on showing signs of scaring, but I'm ok now. I found a common misconception amongst people I spoke to that it was somehow contagious, or that I infact must have caught it somewhere... this is not the case, and is just a dormant part of the chickenpox virus I had as a kid, it stays in your spine, more information on the NHS website. You can give someone chickenpox however who hasn't had that virus, so it is important to cover up.

The main point I wanted to say was that I noticed only last week I think gsk were advertising something to do with shingles symptoms awareness and I had never seen that before! It got me thinking about if there is a known increase in the number of cases and what that could be

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By *ools and the brainCouple
over a year ago

couple, us we him her.

I got shingles back in the 90's following a bout of being particularly run down due to my father's death and the contracting glandular fever.

Shortly after I came down with shingles and as you say lays dormant in spinal fluid.

To date it was the single most painful experience of my life and very nearly lost the vision in my left eye.

The nerve pain I suffered was like nothing else.

Subsequently I have suffered from it almost yearly ever since.

With only covid surpassing the effects on my nervous system.

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By *orny PTMan
over a year ago

Peterborough

I've had childhood chickenpox. Only in adult hood have I had shingles, which is quite mild. I feel a bit fluey and I have a tickling sensation under the left shoulder blades.

I think I had it this summer, but without the tickling in the shoulders, but an itch that wouldn't go away in my leg.

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By *sexman1Man
over a year ago

north oxfordshire

I think you can get a jab for it

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By *hirley OP Man
over a year ago

somewhere

"I got shingles back in the 90's following a bout of being particularly run down due to my father's death and the contracting glandular fever.

Shortly after I came down with shingles and as you say lays dormant in spinal fluid.

To date it was the single most painful experience of my life and very nearly lost the vision in my left eye.

The nerve pain I suffered was like nothing else.

Subsequently I have suffered from it almost yearly ever since.

With only covid surpassing the effects on my nervous system.

I'm sorry to hear this for you, but also for me, as I've been told by several health professionals that what I had, though granted wasn't in my eye (ouch) was a fairly extreme case

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

Shingles may be treatable, if diagnosed early, shortening the outbreak and reducing the severity. It's worth making yourself aware of the symptoms, so you can get treatment in time.

There are vaccines available, which the NHS provides for over 70s. You can get it privately whilst under 70.

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By *r not quite virginMan
over a year ago

rochdale

I had shingles a few years ago on my back. It was diagnosed within a few days so I was given meds to prevent it spreading. People say its highly contagious which it technically is...under specific conditions. It's only contagious when it's weeping and you have to make physical contact with it. So whoever is replacing the dressing needs to be careful but it's unlikely to spread.

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By *elkieWoman
over a year ago

Durham

Vaccination against shingles drastically cuts the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia - as does treatment with antivirals. I didn’t get antivirals in time and now I have PHN and chronic fatigue.

And yes, it’s highly likely you’re going to see it more, shingles is more likely when you’re stressed and run down - and right now that’s all of us.

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By *ave05Man
over a year ago

Chelmsford Essex

I had shingles a month after Covid as rather run down after the virus. If you are diagnosed and start the anti vitals within 72 hours symptoms are less severe - mine was mild along the left arm.

I’m getting the vaccine later this month privately- it’s quite expensive but is a lifetime protection and I’m not wishing a repeat of it again.

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By *appytaffWoman
over a year ago

blackwood

I’ve had chicken pox twice ( yes it is possible )

And then had shingles affecting my chest and the glands in my neck . Fortunately I was able to have anti virals

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By *izzy.miss.lizzyCouple
over a year ago

Pembrokeshire

I've had a few outbreaks of shingles, which seemed to hit me while caring for my late mother in law who was prone to them too. She also seemed to "give them" to my little boy at the same time. They are sore and make you feel very miserable.

The doctor can give jabs for it now. I plan to ask if they cause me another outbreak.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

"I had shingles a month after Covid as rather run down after the virus. If you are diagnosed and start the anti vitals within 72 hours symptoms are less severe - mine was mild along the left arm.

I’m getting the vaccine later this month privately- it’s quite expensive but is a lifetime protection and I’m not wishing a repeat of it again."

I'm considering the vaccine privately too, after also having it. It was unpleasant enough, even though I had the antiviral treatment. I'm guessing that there's a high chance of getting shingles again, before I'm due the NHS vaccine.

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By *uliette500Woman
over a year ago

Hull

"I think you can get a jab for it"

You have to be over 70 to be eligible for the shingles vaccine on the NHS.

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By *esthetic21Man
over a year ago

Birmingham/Bristol

I had shingles a few year ago and it was by far the most painful experience of my life it literally paralysed me for a few weeks. Can see how it would kill vulnerable people. From what I can tell I only had a medium severity can't imagine what the full blown would have been like.

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By *ango0505Woman
over a year ago

Dumfries

My daughter is twenty four and she has had Shingles four times this year. She’s had them in her throat, her ears and worst was in her eyes.

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By *rotic_lokiMan
over a year ago

Swindon

Helps to be nudist with shingles.

Stayed in and wore nothing for 4 weeks..

Bastard GP would not prescribe antivirals only camomile I got as kid when it was chicken ?? pox.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

"Helps to be nudist with shingles.

Stayed in and wore nothing for 4 weeks..

Bastard GP would not prescribe antivirals only camomile I got as kid when it was chicken ?? pox.

I'm assuming that you had had shingles for longer than the period that antivirals are effective from. It's bad luck that you didn't get them and their potential relief

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By *moothCriminal_xMan
over a year ago

Redditch

There is a link in the rise of shingles and covid by the look of things. Sometimes a viral infection can trigger off the dormant herpes that causes shingles.

I had it a few months ago. No real pain fortunately.

Fyi you can catch chicken pox from contact with a shingles rash if it is at the oozing/blistering stage. You cant catch shingles from shingles and you wont get chicken pox if youve had it before...probably

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
over a year ago

Central

It's really worth all of us who had chickenpox to be aware of the symptoms of shingles, so that we can identify it and to seek diagnosis and treatment from a Doctor.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I had it a few years back doc asked me a few questions and said it was probably triggered by my work stress.

I wouldn't have disagreed either.

I had the tiniest rash however, it doesn't always end there..

I had the most horrendous chest pain opposite side considered dialling 999 but it was in the early hours.

I had a scan, ecg's several over a few months nothing however, 6 to 12 months later I find it uncomfortable to lie on either side ever since chest wise.

GP hasn't said much.

But I don't think I got off quiet scot free!!

It can lead to strokes too...

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By *unandgamegeekMan
over a year ago

Bolton

I had shingles when I had chickenpox at a late age of 27 back in 2012. It nearly killed me.

I caught up while I was on holiday with my mum, dad and brother in Florida for two weeks. I was fine for the first week but I felt awful for the second week which kind of ruined our holiday. We was lucky to be able to fly home at the end of the holiday.

As soon as we got home, we went to a 24 hour medical centre and they sent us straight to the hospital when they saw it was chickenpox plus they didn't like the look of me as I looked terrible and my skin was nearly grey. I ended up there for three and a half days and hated every minute of it but was glad to go home when I recovered.

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By *ustamanMan
over a year ago

weymouth

I rarely get the rash I do however get hypersensitive skin, generally flares up if my immune system is compromised

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By *ools and the brainCouple
5 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.

Well it's been 5 years since my last flare up and it's back this week with vengeance, probably the worst since the first time I got it.

It's on my head again,the pain has been off the scale.

Dr's hardly seemed bothered I ended up having to go to minor injuries at the weekend coz my GP wouldn't see me for 6 weeks, got anti virals now just feeling shattered it really knocks the stuffing out of you.

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
5 weeks ago

Central

[Removed by poster at 16/08/24 18:08:01]

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
5 weeks ago

Central

It's horrible isn't it! I've had it once

I see you got treatment, based on your comment. I did see that some pharmacies are prescribing treatment for shingles now - which could beat a GP who's not interested or available, or visiting a hospital.

Hoping you get some relief from it Joolsandthebrain ASAP!

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By *ools and the brainCouple
5 weeks ago

couple, us we him her.

"It's horrible isn't it! I've had it once

Hoping you get some relief from it Joolsandthebrain ASAP! "

Thanks

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By *melie LALWoman
5 weeks ago

Peterborough

"It's horrible isn't it! I've had it once

Hoping you get some relief from it Joolsandthebrain ASAP!

Thanks

Vaccine?

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
5 weeks ago

Central

[Removed by poster at 16/08/24 22:25:24]

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
5 weeks ago

Central

"It's horrible isn't it! I've had it once

Hoping you get some relief from it Joolsandthebrain ASAP!

Thanks

Vaccine?"

The vaccine is age restricted on the NHS but may be bought privately. I've considered doing so, after having Shingles once.

I saw treatment promoted in my Tesco pharmacy and reportedly 90% of pharmacies can now prescribe antivirals for Shingles, which started earlier this year. They also do simple UTI treatments, I'm assuming antibiotics, after testing.

As Shingles treatment has a better response, when it's started early in the infection, being able to see a pharmacist is likely quicker than seeing a GP. And many, like Tesco, are open 7 days a week.

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By *ockyjohnMan
5 weeks ago

North West

"I think you can get a jab for it

You have to be over 70 to be eligible for the shingles vaccine on the NHS. "

And in addition

The eligibility criteria changed on 1 September 2023. You’ll be eligible for a free shingles vaccine once you turn 65 following this date and will remain eligible until you turn 80. However, if you turned 65 before this date, you'll have to wait until you turn 70 to be eligible for the vaccine.

If you have a severely weakened immune system, you’re eligible from the age of 50 onwards, with no upper age limit.

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By *ockyjohnMan
5 weeks ago

North West

[Removed by poster at 16/08/24 22:58:43]

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By *IXEN200Woman
5 weeks ago

newcastle upon tyne

I had shingles last October on the left side of my head, it was the worst pain I've ever had, I'd rather have a tattoo or childbirth again than having shingles.

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By *cotsCockMan
4 weeks ago

Glasgow

"I think you can get a jab for it

You have to be over 70 to be eligible for the shingles vaccine on the NHS.

And in addition

If you have a severely weakened immune system, you’re eligible from the age of 50 onwards, with no upper age limit."

So someone who has lived all their life in the UK and turned 65 in August 2023 has to wait until 2028 to be eligible for it, but anyone (including immigrants) who turns 65 from Sept 2023 can get it now, what an absolute disgrace !!!!

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By *ebauchedDeviantsPt2Couple
4 weeks ago

Cumbria

"I think you can get a jab for it

You have to be over 70 to be eligible for the shingles vaccine on the NHS.

And in addition

If you have a severely weakened immune system, you’re eligible from the age of 50 onwards, with no upper age limit.

Why bring immigrants into it?

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By *limboy68Man
4 weeks ago

st albans

GP told me years ago that shingles gets you when your immune system is low, mainly due to stress or a poor diet. Older are more vulnerable but more younger people getting it now because of junk food!

I had a relatively mild case but oh so painful! Get a jab ... please!

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By *lik and PaulCouple
4 weeks ago

Flagrante

After a year, last year of health issues and shortly after a bout of Covid I got shingles which was quickly treated with anti virals so I got off lightly. Now had the 2 shingles vaccines so hopefully that's me sorted. The trick appears to be spotting it early.

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By *ose_53Woman
4 weeks ago

harrow

"I had shingles a month after Covid as rather run down after the virus. If you are diagnosed and start the anti vitals within 72 hours symptoms are less severe - mine was mild along the left arm.

I’m getting the vaccine later this month privately- it’s quite expensive but is a lifetime protection and I’m not wishing a repeat of it again."

I didn’t realise the vaccine gave a life time protection… thanks for that info x

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
4 weeks ago

Central

[Removed by poster at 19/08/24 10:09:00]

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
4 weeks ago

Central

"I had shingles a month after Covid as rather run down after the virus. If you are diagnosed and start the anti vitals within 72 hours symptoms are less severe - mine was mild along the left arm.

I’m getting the vaccine later this month privately- it’s quite expensive but is a lifetime protection and I’m not wishing a repeat of it again.

Any tips on getting the vaccine privately? Thanks

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By *aughtywifeandhimCouple
4 weeks ago

luton

Have had it twice , extremely painful , it does lay dormant , I was told stress post probable cause , think when you turn 65 you can get vaccine , only time I have suffered pain like that was kidney stones , and standing on a weaver fish but for those pain was short lived

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By *loeMan
4 weeks ago

Selby

I had the shingles and pneumonia vaccines yesterday it is available to anyone over the age of 65 or before for vulnerable people

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By *rimrose and TonyCouple
4 weeks ago

Farnworth

"I think you can get a jab for it"

People can but I think you're too old now. Not being personal or ageist but take a look at the website and I think it's 79 at the latest

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By *ncutgemMan
4 weeks ago

Bath ish

"Recently I had this virus, I wasn't at all knowledgeable of it, I had only heard of its existence. It was very painful and still, some weeks on showing signs of scaring, but I'm ok now. I found a common misconception amongst people I spoke to that it was somehow contagious, or that I infact must have caught it somewhere... this is not the case, and is just a dormant part of the chickenpox virus I had as a kid, it stays in your spine, more information on the NHS website. You can give someone chickenpox however who hasn't had that virus, so it is important to cover up.

"
Thank you that is most helpful

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By *ravelling_WilburyMan
4 weeks ago

Beverley

Did you sign up to the site as a shingle male?

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By *uliette500Woman
4 weeks ago

Hull

"I had the shingles and pneumonia vaccines yesterday it is available to anyone over the age of 65 or before for vulnerable people "

Only if you were 65 after 1st September 2023. If you were 65 before this date you can't get it until you are 70. The only exception is if you have a severely compromised immune system, then you can get it from age 50.

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By *host63Man
4 weeks ago

Bedfont Feltham

Had chickenpox as a child quite badly bu, not shingles.

There does seem to be a rise of this condition though

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By *avidagainMan
4 weeks ago

st.leonards on sea

"I think you can get a jab for it"

i was invited to have the vaccine a few weeks ago i am 65 sorry to the people who have had shingles sounds like it can be very nasty think i need a booster in a few months time

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
4 weeks ago

Central

"Had chickenpox as a child quite badly bu, not shingles.

There does seem to be a rise of this condition though

Perhaps it's a reflection of the increased levels of stress in life. We'd have to look at the numbers, to see if there's any changes in the treatment levels. Even the pandemic and restrictions, could be a potential trigger.

At least we can now get access to treatment, via chemists, without waiting for a GP appointment - as starting treatment early is the most effective point for it to be effective.

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By *tevMan
1 week ago

Sevenoaks

Shingles is listed as a side effect on the covid vaccines.

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By *ools and the brainCouple
1 week ago

couple, us we him her.

"Shingles is listed as a side effect on the covid vaccines. "

Oh FFS

I had it long before then.

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By *ikerdaveMan
1 week ago

redcar

I see a lot of people saying that you can only get the vaccine for free on the nhs if you're 65 and over but thats not entirely true you can als get it for free if you suffer with a low immune system I've had it two jabs 3 months apart

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By *uliette500Woman
7 days ago

Hull

"I see a lot of people saying that you can only get the vaccine for free on the nhs if you're 65 and over but thats not entirely true you can als get it for free if you suffer with a low immune system I've had it two jabs 3 months apart "

That is only if you have certain medical conditions, or on medications that lower your immune system and you have to be over 50.

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By *onandCouple
7 days ago

Cheadle

Had shingles in my upper right thigh….. seen within 1 hour per 111…… very high dose of antibiotics

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By *ophieslutTV/TS
7 days ago

Central

"Had shingles in my upper right thigh….. seen within 1 hour per 111…… very high dose of antibiotics "

I'm assuming it was antivirals they gave, which are most effective against shingles during the early part of the outbreak.

Just a reminder for everyone, designated NHS chemists can now diagnose and prescribe treatment for shingles.

I've suffered once and hope I never get it again.

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By *ools and the brainCouple
6 days ago

couple, us we him her.

"Had shingles in my upper right thigh….. seen within 1 hour per 111…… very high dose of antibiotics "

Shingles is a viral infection, antibiotics won't do anything.

Probably a viral medicine as said above.

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By *udie NudieMan
6 days ago

Newcastle / Gosforth

"Shingles is listed as a side effect on the covid vaccines. "

Being killed by a bus is not listed as a side effect of crossing the road.

That's all.

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