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

[Buthewasstillhungry]

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!

[Buthewasstillhungry]

Placebos have been proven to work where people are only trying to be helpful. And maybe there's something in it.

I went for full blood count test today for other issues, hair loss, very, very stiff joints and treated myself to some lovely Sanctuary Spa bath foam and exfoliator, got some breast feeding vitamins and generally took better care of myself.

Thanks all, I think I just need to ride this out.

[shinynewusername]

Aciclovir is only effective if started within the first few days. If the OP has already seen her GP twice, she is probably way past that. And although it's not known to be unsafe in pregnancy, the general advice is to avoid any drugs that are not absolutely necessary especially in early pregnancy (though aciclovir is recommended in late pregnancy if there is active genital herpes).

[specialsubject]

Promoting homeopathy is the sign of a fool who can't understand evidence. As mentioned, water does the same.

I suppose these crooks are a charity because religions are, but how disgusting.

Meanwhile there is also nothing that boosts immune systems.

[wheredoesallthetimego]

I would get in contact with a homeopath to see if they could suggest anything.



thanks for the laugh @butterfly990

If the OP wants homoeopathy, I'm quite happy to fill her a bottle of water from my kitchen tap. It'll have the same active ingredients.

[Allthewaves]

Painkillers and as much rest as u can

[butterfly990]

I would get in contact with a homeopath to see if they could suggest anything.

www.britishhomeopathic.org/charity/how-we-can-help/articles/womens-health/pregnancy-and-labour/

[ragged]

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

[Kiwi32]

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

[Umpteenthnamechange]

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

[Wetcappuccino]

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.

[Buthewasstillhungry]

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

[Buthewasstillhungry]

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

[RB68]

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.

[FiveYearPlan]

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

[Wetcappuccino]

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?

[Buthewasstillhungry]

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

[Buthewasstillhungry]

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

[Pickleypickles]

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 ?

[SasBel]

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

Good luck.

[wheredoesallthetimego]

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

[Confusedandintrigued]

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

[scampimom]

You can't, I'm afraid.

[FiveYearPlan]

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]

[Delatron]

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

[GladAllOver]

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.