Shingles? On the rise ?

[scandinavianyellow]

i have heard about 4 different people who have this locally. Is this usual?

DH is over 65 so gets the vaccine - and lo and behold, got shingles for the first time this year.

It was mild, as he got the anti-virals straight away, but he still felt crap for a few days.

I’m 30 and had it a month ago. Wiped me clean out for a week.

Exactly the same as my son, was many years ago though as he’s 20 now

I got post herpetic neuralgia after my shingles and had pain and itching for months. Had to take sleeping pills to get relief at night.

I had it in the summer, I didn’t know much about it, it’s nasty, I’m 56 and was going through a stressful time.

My ds 17 has just had it. I hadn’t realised teens could get it. He diagnosed it himself by using google images & it was confirmed at a hospital. It wiped him out for a couple of weeks.

Yes, it’s probably caused by suppression of the immune system due to all the vaccines that are rammed into people this time of year.

People who haven't had chickenpox can get it from people with shingles, a lot of people don't realise this. You're right in that people can't catch shingles though.
As others have said, it's all to do with a person's immune system.
I'm in two minds about the vaccine, especially if others are saying it's not a guarantee that someone won't get shingles if they have it.

My 6yo had it at the end of the summer holidays.
She still has marks/scars where the spots were.
Luckily she wasn't unwell. She does get some pain in the rash area if she bumps or scratches it.

Shingles made me the most unwell I have ever been. I got post herpetic neuralgia from it and when it flares up the burning itching sensation is unbelievable.
Im 48 so a while before I can get vaccinated.

Not strictly true. Someone with shingles can pass the chicken pox virus on to someone who has never had it. So you should avoid pregnant women and the immuno compromised.

I’ve had chickenpox as a kid think I had it again when our kids got it a few suspect spots
had shingles 3 times on ribs at front and back never been particularly ill with it or in much pain
mentioned it to doctor once and he said some people are just prone to outbreak if run down or ill with something else

Maybe more people are getting it at the moment as life getting more stressful for people what with the inept government, media hysteria, and the hideous cost of living.

I’m just getting over shingles myself, first time I’ve ever had it

I was wondering this today as 3 of my friends have had it in the last 3 months. Maybe it’s our age? Early 50s.

I think I had a mild case a few years ago, DD got chicken pox around the same time which makes me think even more that I had it.

I also got it last year after a chest infection. Do they let you know if you qualify for the vaccine? I’m in my 50’s so not old enough but I do take immunosuppressants. I presume even then I don’t qualify.

Which immune suppressants are you on?

How long does shingles last?

The rise is probably partly due to the decrease in chicken pox circulating ( and the decrease in grandparents looking after children whilst they have it), being around chicken pox gives the older generation a " boost" to their immunity and makes them less likely to contract shingles. That's why the NHS has been to and fro about the CP vaccine for kids. In countries that vaccinated at 1yo, the rate of shingles increase in the older population.

I didn’t know you can get it more than once! I got it during lockdown, teaching my kids during lockdown I sware the stress brought it on.

DD had it in February, aged 9. She had chickenpox just before turning 2. Our GP had never seen it in a child before.

That’s an interesting thought. Have you got any evidence to back it up?

Eurgh. i'd hate to get it again. Why do you have to wait until 50 to get even the private vaccine? :-(

Mycophenolate mofetil

Me too, it's very annoying, DH who is 64 will get his before me at 67.