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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how you get rid of a virus without medication.

31 replies

Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 16:58

Sorry posting in desperation for traffic.
Ive got a 6 mo and can't take anti viral as Im pregnant and Ive got Shingles.
All the classic virus symptoms, low energy, achey muscles, pain.

What can I do to get rid of this virus? Any immunity boosting tips greatly appreciated Thank you!

OP posts:
GladAllOver · 26/06/2017 17:02

Eeerrrr see your GP?

LakieLady · 26/06/2017 17:05

Echinacea might help. I find the soluble one from Boots works best

Can you have codeine and paracetamol when pregnant? I found it was the only thing that really worked on shingles pain.

I feel for you, it's really painful.

Original poster
Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 17:06

Ive been to the GP twice they can't give me anything as I said in my OP glad

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 26/06/2017 17:07

You can take pain killers and use stuff you would use on chicken pox spots. Antivirals don't kill the virus but may lessen symptoms and the duration. Did the gp prescribe anything?

Original poster
Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 17:08

Thanks, no
the GP did not prescribe anything.

OP posts:
gamerwidow · 26/06/2017 17:09

Sorry OP I think it's only time that cures viruses like this normally. Not nice when your 6 months pregnant though.

GladAllOver · 26/06/2017 17:11

You didn't mention the GP in your OP. But if you have seen them twice and they can't suggest anything, I'm afraid there isn't going to be any miracle cure.

Delatron · 26/06/2017 17:12

Rest is the most important thing. It just takes time unfortunately. Stay well hydrated.

FiveYearPlan · 26/06/2017 17:18

Shingles is awful, especially if you have a small child and also pregnant!
Normally an anti-viral (acyclovir) would be prescribed as soon as possible to reduce severity.
How pregnant are you? How ill are you? I've looked up the product info and to be honest it's not clear whether you could take it during pg or not without adverse effects. If you are in first trimester I probably wouldn't take it.
You could try to email the breastfeeding network - although their advice is for bf rather than pregnancy they may have the info you need. [email protected]

scampimom · 26/06/2017 17:18

You can't, I'm afraid.

Confusedandintrigued · 26/06/2017 17:18

If someone knew the secret to that, they would be a billionaire!

wheredoesallthetimego · 26/06/2017 17:19

Ask the GP to look it up on UKTIS or BUMPS. aciclovir is fine in pregnancy.

SasBel · 26/06/2017 17:20

You can't, but poxclin mousse was fab at reducing the itch of chicken pox. Antihistamines help too.
Much rest as possible.

Good luck.

Pickleypickles · 26/06/2017 17:26

My ex got shingles and the doc said to him lots of rest ride it and prescribed antivirals but you said you can't take them so I don't think there is much else other than standard pain killers. Shingles is horrible can you get help with the baby ?

Original poster
Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 17:29

thank you.
I can't rest day or night with a baby. I'll see about those drugs where

OP posts:
Original poster
Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 17:31

Im not preg, Ive got a 6mo DD but couldn't take anti viral due to breast feeding.

OP posts:
Wetcappuccino · 26/06/2017 17:35

Had very bad shingles myself and I think the antiviral only works if you take it very early on (according to my GP). I have every sympathy for you. Confused though - OP does say you are pregnant?

FiveYearPlan · 26/06/2017 17:36

Ah sorry mis-understood your OP. In that case, you can take acyclovir. Print this out and take to GP tomorrow. Or even OOH tonight actually as treatment should start within 72h. breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/wp-content/dibm/shingles%202017%20jan.pdf

RB68 · 26/06/2017 17:39

You can also do things to boost your immune system e.g. take vitc and zinc, eat and drink healthily with plenty of veg and fruit for vit c again. Get some sleep....although not sure how easy that one is.

Original poster
Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 17:42

Ah, it started last Wednesday so too late but than you so much anyway

OP posts:
Original poster
Buthewasstillhungry · 26/06/2017 17:43

so it does say I'm pregnant! THAT is how tired I am!! Blush sorry for confusion.

OP posts:
Wetcappuccino · 26/06/2017 17:54

Yes, by the time I saw my GP they said it was too late to take them. I think you almost have to take them as soon as you have symptoms, but how would anyone know at that early stage! Hope it is not too severe for you - hope you can get some help with the wee one and get some rest.

Umpteenthnamechange · 26/06/2017 19:09

Your OP Says you're pregnant. Later you said you aren't pregnant? The advice is likely to differ for pregnant women.

Kiwi32 · 26/06/2017 19:13

I'm not a doctor but I wonder if you could use a topical local anaesthetic for relief? Lidocaine available from a pharmacist for shingles but no idea if it would end up in milk. Otherwise standard rest, hyrdrate, eat plenty. Paracetamol is fine if bf but may not relieve the pain. Ice would probably help temporarily. Hope it clears up soon

ragged · 26/06/2017 19:42

painkillers, fluids, pamper yourself. You could ask a pharmacist about anything OTC like if antihistamines would help. Hang in there. x