Shingles -make sure you act early

[kieran222]

I recently posted about what I thought was a chemical burn from shooting shotgun cartridges but later found out that it was shingles . For those of you over 65 in England, you are entitled to get a free vaccine, for anyone under 65 it costs about £450. Knowing what I now know about shingles I will be paying privately to get the vaccine.
It hit me on one side of my head, forehead and around my eye. It was very painful and resulted in me being off work for 6 weeks so far and canceling a holiday to Canada.
There is a longer term complication "post herpetic neuralgia" which is as a result of the nerve damage.
I would highly recommend everyone who can to get the vaccine. If you don't then make sure that if you develop an itchy/burning rash that you can't explain get to the doctor asap as they will put you on Anti Viral medication but you need to start that ASAP to avoid the nerve damage.

 

[Bo Diddley]

Yep! I had an itch develop one New Years Eve, got the GF to take a photo for me of said itch , we self diagnosed Shingles and I managed to get an emergency appointment, a course of tablets if I remember prescribed by a very pretty Spanish lady Doctor, very grateful for the NHS, catch it early if you can.

 

[wytonpjs]

Sadly, its 65 for the NHS threshold (only know this as I was randomly offered one last year just before my 65th when I was getting a COVID booster). Concur completely, like tick-borne encephalitis, get the jab if you can rather than the consequences. From the NHS website:

"The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It's recommended for people at higher risk from shingles, including all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system"

 

[opticron1]

You have my sympathy Kieran, I've looked after many folk over the years with shingles and have seen some horrific cases. Always seemed to worse when on the head/eyes as you say and I've seen folk need to stay on strong analgesia for months after a severe case.
The shingles vaccine is a good call as even if you've had chickenpox as a youngster, the risk of shingles is always there. I know there are a few folk who treat vaccines as the devils work, but once you had shingles, you'll wish you hadn't!
Hope your recovery goes well.

 

[kieran222]

"The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It's recommended for people at higher risk from shingles, including all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system"

, corrected my post. I thought it was 60.

 

[Andyquadra]

This is why Bob Mortimore missed the episode of gone fishing

 

[trickie]

I got shingles about 12 years ago, it only affected my left nipple . However it starred as an itch, in work a femail colleague ask what was the matter, she said shingles. I trotted off to the Drs next morning the practice nurse said no it’s not. I pushed to see the duty GP, who walked in and said Mr trickie, that’s a first class case of shingles and proceed to prescribe anti virals and pain killers. 3 weeks and it was gone. I was lucky!

 

[Apthorpe]

Good advice. A friend had a nasty case, not just externally but also inside mouth and down the trachea. Agonising.

 

[Tazz]

My mother had a terrible painful rash a couple of years back it went on for months. I fit the profile of people likely to get it in later life, most common cause is for people who have had Chickenpox in early life it’s that same virus that reactivates and causes Shingles

Free government vaccination if you were 65 on 1st September 2023 or if you are 70 or older, however if you are 66-69 currently you have to wait till 70 or pay private ( Makes no sense to me but I fell in to this so had to pay)

Currently 2 vaccination options

Single jab Zostavax covers you for 5-10 years circa £170 I got mine at Superdrug

Double jab Shingrix 6 months apart circa £450 longer coverage and less chance of negative reaction

i had no effects from the single one and am pleased I had it, it’s a terrible affliction. If you have had Chickenpox and you are over 60 have a good think about it

 

[finnbear270]

I have been getting what I describe as an itch that is also a pain like a hot needle in the small of my back, intermittently, & I am 67, I asked the doc & got the sorry mate it's 70 for you reply.

 

[paulbshooting]

Had it 3 times in 6 years. Yesterday paid and had the private jab as 52 years old. Medically advised to do so by GP but too young for NHS free one. Feel shite today but compared to having full blown shingles again, it's worth it.

 

[BenBhoy]

I've had it twice. Weeks off work (which is really not like me). It's agonising & debilitating.

 

[Tazz]

Had it 3 times in 6 years. Yesterday paid and had the private jab as 52 years old. Medically advised to do so by GP but too young for NHS free one. Feel shite today but compared to having full blown shingles again, it's worth it.

Yes one day of “Shite” a small pice to pay for not getting Shingles. I had the single jab at Superdrug £170 and luckily had no side effects

 

[Jamsie]

I had shingles on the side of my head and around my eye a few years back. It was NOT nice and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.
I wasn't aware that there was a free (for me) vaccine available for this but now I know, I'll be getting it organised right away. Under NO circumstances do I need a repeat performance of the agony I had to put up with during that first episode.

Jamsie

 

[JTO]

I get a chap come fishing from time to time who has been off work for 11 years with Shingles.

 

[VSS]

I get a chap come fishing from time to time who has been off work for 11 years with Shingles.

There's got to be a joke in there somewhere.....