Shingles-anyone had it?

[Molehillmountain]

Doc says my mystery rash is shingles (which is good because I'd over imagined it into some flesh eating horror!). Have small bit of rash, which was painful but not so much now, and feel generally flu like. But i've also got itches and aches all over and some mosquito bites I got on holiday have give a bit mad. Are theses connected or completely separate?

And now almost uncontrollably shivery.

Shingles will make you feel a bit fluey and generally run down. Not sure about the itching, though as I didn't experience that. It takes a few weeks to get over it fully (even after the rash is gone) so make sure you take it easy. Were you on holiday somewhere hot? Sun exposure can bring on shingles.

Did the Dr give you aciclovir (anti-viral) tablets?

Just cream. Nowhere madly hot. Blimey - it's a bit rubbish!

I have a mad itch where Ive had shingles in the past. I dont think the bites are connected. Take it easy they can be a bugger to get over.

Are you running a temperature? Shingles is caused by herpes virus (cant remember if its simplex or zoster), so treat like a viral infection? Can cause flu like symptoms - my mum gets it and it knocks her sideways. I had it on my bum once! Could the mossie bites be infected?

Personally i think if you are feeling that bad a call to NHS direct is warranted.

Warm bath and I have stopped shivering . Going to bed and have put dh in baby duty-think she was getting dizzy with the shivering. Now going to dream up ways to rest and look after three dc . Thanks!