Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Joe Homps

Maria asks…

Shingles Vaccine – what are the side effects?

My Mom (age 73) had two injections yesterday. She’s having some side effects today. I found the side effects for the tetanus booster (of which she has some including low-grade fever), but can someone give me a link for the side effects of the shingles vaccine for those over 60? Thanks!

admin answers:

A vaccine, like any medicine, could possibly cause serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. However, the risk of a vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

No serious problems have been identified with shingles vaccine.

Mild Problems

Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection (about 1 person in 3).
Headache (about 1 person in 70).
Like all vaccines, shingles vaccine is being closely monitored for unusual or severe problems.

Thomas asks…

Do you think the Shingles vaccine is safe long-term?

I’am 63 and approved to get the vaccine. I have had one horrible bout of Shingles 14 yrs ago. It is unforgettable that is for sure! Like knives piercing into your body along the nerve channels. Some do get Shingles more than once, though, not as likely. I am afraid of side-effects no one knows about in years to come. What do you think, please?

admin answers:

My mother just got her shingles shot – there are no side affects that are as bad as shingles. My mom turns 85 soon; I am only 61 so I won’t be able to get my shot for a couple years.

Steven asks…

Why wait until I’m 60 to get the shingles vaccine?

What will happen if I get the vaccine now? I’m in my 40s now and had shingles 2 years ago.

admin answers:

Since you have already had shingles, the research suggests that getting the vaccine may help prevent a recurrence of the disease. If i were you i would get the vaccine now.

Http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/shingles-vaccine

Charles asks…

Where can I get a shingles vaccine shot in S. Mississippi or New Orleans?

Shingles vaccine is now available from Merck & Co in some communities. The vaccine is highly recommended for people over 60.

admin answers:

The County Health Department will offer such vaccination although most physicians will as well. I am pleased that you have brought this to people’s attention.

Nancy asks…

is exposure to some vaccinated with the shingles vaccine harmful to babies?

i am going to visit my granddaughter age 21 months and 9 months. i was vaccinated 2 days ago.

admin answers:

Shingles is a live virus, so it can shed. They could get chickenpox from you.

From the vaccine package insert: http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/z/zostavax/zostavax_pi.pdf “Transmission of vaccine virus may occur rarely between vacinees and susceptible contacts”

Chickenpox at age 21 months and 9 months would most likely be mild, though. My 9 month old got chickenpox and he was fine. He had a much easier time with it than my 4 year old.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Joe Homps

Sandra asks…

Painful rash under left breast…shingles? (Picture inside)?

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r298/stepherroo444/deletedelete003.jpg

This rash just showed up yesterday, I wasn’t wearing a tight bra or ANYTHING when I noticed it.

It hurts, it’s not itchy it’s just like…painful to touch and feels like infection or something.

I’ve had the chicken pox before (I’m 16 now, had them when I was 2)

Is this shingles or what else? I’m leaving for Europe in 5 days what should I do 8|

admin answers:

I had shingles when i was a young kid, like 9 so i don’t quite remember what it looks like. I did look it up on google though and they do look similar. When i had shingles it did itch a little, but it pretty much just hurt. Since you’ve had chicken pox it rules that out but shingles are a branch of chicken pox.
Shingles mostly occur in older people, but they can occur when a lot of stress is in your life.
But anyway, this is what i found online for the symptoms.
Shingles Symptoms

Depending on the nerves involved, shingles can affect many parts of the body.

•The first symptom of shingles is often extreme sensitivity or pain in a broad band on one side of the body. The sensation can be itching, tingling, burning, constant aching, or a deep, shooting, or “lightning bolt” pain. If these symptoms appear on the face, especially near the eyes, seek medical help immediately. Other nonspecific symptoms that can occur at the same time are fever, chills, headache, and itching.

•Typically, one to three days after the pain starts, a rash with raised, red bumps and blisters erupts on the skin in the same distribution as the pain. They become pus-filled, then form scabs by 10-12 days.

•The rash disappears as the scabs fall off in the next two to three weeks, and scarring may result.

•Some patients develop postherpetic neuralgia, in which the localized pain remains even after the rash is gone.

Lisa asks…

Where can you look at the pictures of houses near mine?

I lost my dog and someone said that they saw her in a white house with a fence and it had shingles for the roof. And I am 13 so I can’t drive and no one will drive me around so, I need a way to see all of the house in a 20 mile distance of my house if possible. I live in Blue Mountain Beach, Florida btw. And I already tried Google Maps and it didn’t really help

admin answers:

You can try zillow.com

Richard asks…

HELP !!!! I need to know if I possibly have shingles?

Okay, I need to know the about shingles; I have had a bad
rash on my stomach, on and off for 6 months; I get a bad
rash, and it hurts, then they seem to dry up; then come
right back.
Whenever I’ve looked at pictures of shingles, it looks very
similar to my stomach, but then everything I’ve read.. says shingles only occur in older people..I’m 40 years old
Any help would be greatly appreciated

admin answers:

I’ve had shingles 3 times and I’m only 42. I saw a doctor each time to have it diagnosed…even though I KNEW it was shingles.

It will happen unilaterally – just one side of the back or stomach, or one one limb or one side of the face or scalp. It can be itchy or intensely painful. If you suspect shingles, see a doctor for an antiviral like valtrex, and take L-lysine supplements. You may want to have some an exam and bloodwork done to check out your immune system.

Joseph asks…

Need a picture of metal key west style shingles. Does anyone know where I can find this?

admin answers:

Try these links!
Hope that you find what you are looking for!!

Http://www.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/2003/june/metal_shingles.shtml

http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/homes/architecture/article/0,14587,1152461,00.html

http://www.southfloridametalsupply.com/pages/photos/photo01.html

John asks…

does my brother have Shingles?!?

My Brother recently developed a a rash looking thing on his back that i think is shingles. he had chicken-pox when he was 2 or 3. he is now almost 18. I looked at some pictures of shingles on Google and it sure looks like shingles. he doesn’t believe me though. Does he have shingles?

admin answers:

Probably not, it may just be an allergic reaction, hives, or a rash. He should go to the doctor if he is concerned. Looking up stuff online too much causes anxiety and only a doctor should diagnose someone.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Joe Homps

James asks…

How does one calculate the number of bundled packs of shingles needed to reroof a home?

I know the square footage of the area that is to be reshingled. I am using architectural shingles. I know shingles are bundled in packs of 26 or so. Since only a portion of the shingle is exposed, I know I will need more square feet of shingle than I have of roof area. How do I calculate this?

admin answers:

It take 3 bundles to equal a square.

Roof rectangle size: 44′ x 16′ = 704 sq. Ft.
Total square footage for 2 rectangles = 704 x 2 = 1408 sq. Ft
A bundle of shingles has 21 shingles that cover about 32 sq. Ft.
1408’/32 = 44 bundles

Ruth asks…

When diagnosed with shingles can my employer legally share that information with whoever calls my work number?

Instead of asking to take a message they tell the person I am not there because I have shingles. Is this legal to disclose personal information? I live in Michigan.

admin answers:

An employer can not disclose any information pertaining to an employees medical condition. Medical information may only discussed/shared with the STD insurance carrier and with the companies HR representative for the purpose of determining FMLA eligibility. All medical information on an employee must be kept separate from an employees personal record.

Thus, in this case it is illegal for an employer or one of it’s agents to release your medical information.

Best wishes.

Mark asks…

How many asphalt shingles are in a package?

Asphalt shingles are sold in packages.
How many 3 tab shingles are in a package?
How many laminated strip (architectural) shingles are in a package?

admin answers:

That depends on the quality of the shingles, (years/life rating).

To buy enough shingles to do the job, you need to know the area of the roof, figured in what is called squares. A square is an area 10′ X10′, or 100 square feet. Then decide which style of shingle you want to use, and see how many bundles they require to cover a square. You should buy enough bundles to cover the area, plus 10% more for waste, caps, and the starter course.
With 3 tabs, it’s usually 3 bundles per sq., with around 27 shingles per bundle. With laminated shingles it could be 4 or 5 bundles per square, depending on quality/thickness/life span.
But if you buy metric shingles, all of that might change.

Personally, i like to buy more than 10% extra and save the leftovers in case you need to make a repair, or suffer damage at a later date. That way you have a match in color and style, and don’t have a mismatched roof after the repair is made.
Good luck, i hope this helps answer your question, car dude.

Chris asks…

How can I lighten asphalt shingles?

Had a repair done on roof leak. Maybe 60 sq ft total area of shingles replaced. The problem is that the shingles were mislabeled. Thought using Cedar Brown but instead Autumn Brown. Not much of a color difference at all. The Autumn looks like the Cedar but the Autumn Brown is just a little brighter color.

Can these new asphalt shingles be bleached or something to fade them a little. It would be better to find an alternative to redoing these shingles at this time for many reasons. I just need to make the color match a little better. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

admin answers:

No easy answer. Even the same color will vary when added at later time. After a while you won’t realy notice it.

Donna asks…

How to extend roof shingles over edge so that can drop into my gutters?

My roof shingles are flush with with the eve so that when the water pours off of the roof it misses the gutter. I have been told I need to extend the shingles out so that the water can run from the last shingle to the gutter. How is that done? Please give me simple directions because I am slow. I can probably do it but don’t assume I know anything. I can’t afford to hire a roofer.
Thanks

admin answers:

I don’t know where some of these people get their terms for construction materials.
Your problem is not the position of the shingles. In fact your guttering is positioned to low on the fascia board, or not far enough out from the fascia board. This is a common problem when a house is re-roofed and the old layer of shingles are left in place. Sometimes the roofers (instead of cutting back the old shingles and removing the roof starter strip) just add another pc. Of roof edge metal over the old which moves the edge of roof out further.Or you simply need to raise your gutter up if you can.
You can simply remove the existing guttering and build out your existing fascia board with another pc. Of wood fascia board probably a 1″ x 6″ or even a 2″ x 6″ if you fascia board is way back. Prime and paint it good before installation.
Then re-install your guttering which will mean you will need to adapt the elbows and downspout pipe by adding a longer pc. Of downspout between the drop out and the house.
You can always wrap the fascia with aluminum later when you have the money.
Normally the roof edge (this is the pc. Of metal that is placed on the roof deck at all edges prior to installing the shingles) just hangs over the fascia board 3/4″ to 1″.
So, add the wood fascia board until the edge of your shingles is about the same distance from the new surface of the new fascia board.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Joe Homps

Paul asks…

If having received the immunzation shot, can I get the chicken pox from someone with the shingles?

Hello, I have never had the Chicken Pox. However, about two years ago, I got the immunzation shot from the doctor. My great-grandmother has the shingles. Is it safe for me to go over there being that I am immune to the chicken pox virus? or Because I have never had the virus, am I at risk?

Thanks!

–André

admin answers:

Well first of all, a vaccine does not make you completely immune. It does give you a powerful and reliable form of protection from the disease but cannot protect you totally.

However, shingles is very related to chicken pox as i’m sure you know, so some of that immunity is for the shingles too.I would say it would be fine, but there is no 100 percent guarantee.

Jenny asks…

Shld u have a shot 4 Shingles if you’ve had an outbreak of shingles -?

If u’ve had Shingles, shld u rec a shot-shld one who lvs with m hve a shot

admin answers:

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. For some people, the chickenpox virus stays inactive in certain nerves. If the virus becomes active again, it can cause Shingles on any part of the body. If you’ve had chickenpox, there is no way to predict if you’ll get Shingles.

Shingles is not contagious in that you cannot catch shingles from somebody. However, if a person that has never had chickenpox has direct contact with somebody that has shingles (in the early stages)… Then they can get chickenpox.

If you’ve had shingles, you may never get them again. For some people they do have re-occuring outbreaks. If you are one of those people who have re-occuring outbreaks, then you may want to talk to your doctor to see if the shot will benefit you.

Mandy asks…

I had a shot for chichen pox 5 months ago.Can now receive a shingle shot ?

I received a chicken pot shot by mistake.Can I now receive a shot for shingles ?

admin answers:

Actually – yes.

There should be no side effects.

Are you eligible for the shingles vaccine?

Richard asks…

Is there a shot available to ward off shingles?

How long does a case of shingles last?

admin answers:

Yea especially for immunization for babies

Sandra asks…

Cost of Shingles Shot?

I have heard a lot about the shingles shot and how if you are 60 or over you should get it especially if you have had chicken pox as a child. I have also been told that the Texas Health Department will administer the shot free if you provide them with a social security number. I live in Texas and would like to know if anyone has had any experience getting the shot from the Texas Health Dept.

admin answers:

I would start here for free immunizations.

Http://www.tachc.org/

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 12, 2011 by Joe Homps

Chris asks…

Could I have Shingles?

I suddenly experienced severe pain on one specific part of my back…left side under shoulder blade area near bra strap. It’s a stabbing and burning and aching type pain. This started 2 months ago and its not better.

Initially my doctor said it sounded like shingles and to call her if a rash develops. She also did an x-ray and blood work. I had a positive ANA test and she saw osteoarthritis so she sent me to a rhumetologist. He ruled out lupus and dx’d me with fibromyalgia.

I went for a follow up and told him that this part of my back has been numb for over a month and I’m having the same pain. He asked me if I had the chicken pox and I did as a kid. He said I could have a nerve infection. He upped my Lyrica dose.

I never had a rash though. Is there another doctor I should see or what can I do? I can’t stand this pain.
Could I have shingles without a rash and if so is there anything else the doctors can do?

admin answers:

You only describe pain i one area–THAT IS NOT FMS..definately find a new doc–a good PCP to direct you

Maria asks…

41 one years old, Doc thinks I have shingles, what do you think?

I have had severe pain beginning in my right shoulder and emanating down (what seems like a nerve) all the way to my right wrist. The pain fluctuates from about a 5 to a 9 or 10 on the pain scale. The pain has been almost constant for at least 3 weeks. The thing is, I am without work and do not have benefits, and right now do not have the funds to go to the doc again. Went to doc and he thinks it is Shingles (without any sort of rash at all) and prescribed Valtrex. I had a terrible reaction to it, palpitations and tachycardia and extreme restlessness, so forget about taking any more of those.

My wife was diagnosed with Shingles (with rash and severe pain in right arm), about 3 weeks prior to the beginning of my pain, took Valtrex, but still has some pain, but nothing like mine.

I am freaked that it is Fibromylagia or MS or Lupus or whatever, but, if it is Shingles, what are the chances that it goes away on its own without antivirals?

I know that antivirals just stop the virus from replicating and they do not in effect, “cure” the disease. I have never experienced such pain. Any suggestions?

I am pretty sure it is the same thing my wife has, it is just too much of a coincidence that she was diagnosed with Shingles, and had nearly identical pain in the same arm as me.
I have tested only negative for HIV. My wife has never been tested. When I was in my 20s, I did my fair share of pot and cocaine, and meth twice (hated it). Wife has never done anything except maybe Sake every party and New Years!

admin answers:

What’s your and your wife’s HIV status? Also, any history of drug use?

EDIT: Did you ever have chickenpox as a kid or were ever vaccinated against it? If not, then you essentially have chickenpox for the first time, which is why you got it from your wife. If not, then it becomes an even greater mystery. Why would you and wife, if both of you had it as a child suddenly develop shingles without any apparent immunosuppression. Despite not having insurance, you’re going to need a doctor for this. Go to a doctor, in one visit, tell them everything about your past medical health, any medication you’re taking, any surgeries you’ve had in the past, any immunosuppression, any drugs you’ve done, any new things that have happened in your life recently just before your wife develped shingles, etc.

Laura asks…

I was just diagnosed with Shingles, how long should I expect to be in pain?

I am 27 and have had symptoms for about a week but am very lucky and don’t have the rash. Let’s hope it stays that way. The pain is pretty moderate but constant with intermittent sharp, stabbing pains. It’s on my lower back and hip so sitting down is awful. (I get to sit in the car for 8 hours this week too!) The Dr. gave me some Famvir to help suppress it. I took my first dose last night and just took my second. The pain is noticeably better could it really be working that quickly? And if I have had it this long without the rash could I stay rash free? Also, she prescribed Darvocet for pain but since it seems to be ebbing I don’t know if I should fill it.

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me whine.
I already have a disc herniation between my L4-L5 vertebrae that causes sciatica. This is not sciatica. I believe this kind of shingles is called something like Herpes Sine Zoster.

admin answers:

I had shingles, herpes zoster, last year. The rash and pain lasted for about three weeks. After that, my energy was drained, and I was about 5 months feeling weak. The doctor told me that it caused by the chicken pox virus. If you had chicken pox as a child, the virus stays in your system and when your immune system weakens, generally caused by stress, the virus reappears as shingles. Be gentle with yourself, take the anti-virus medicine and whatever pain medicine your doctor recommends. Free yourself from stress if you can. Good luck. It wasn’t my favorite experience. Thanks for letting me whine.;) Does shingles induce whining?

Linda asks…

Shingles….If you have had them without the blisters breaking out ..will you please give me info?

Please answer this if you have experianced this
Shigles without breaking out:

Info:
66 year old woman with COPD and emphysemia..
We belive she has Shingles..she has had them before about 6 years ago..with out break..But she has no breakout of rash this time tho the pain seems the same. She has been in pain in her back aeras and has hurt so bad she lost her breath and had to be hospitalized for 9 days /3 on a respirator.
Has been this way 6+ weeks

What are the meds you where given/how well did they work for you?
Anything you did that relived the pain? heat or cold?

any info will help..We found info that you can indeed have shingles without a breakout..after another Doctor said to just wait the pain out and see if it’s just Gall stones or she had hurt her back..
She can’t bear the pain at times and we need to do something.
Cases without know lesions are know as..Zoster Sine Herpete

admin answers:

Wow the poor lady. I hope she gets better soon and the suffering goes away.

I have never heard that you can have Shingles without a rash or blisters. I have had Shingles 3 times and every time I have either had a rash or blisters. I was prescribed Valtrex and they worked well. I was one of the fortunate people not to suffer much in the way of pain.

I found this information on a web site –
In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a VZV vaccine (Zostavax) for use in people 60 and older who have had chickenpox. When the vaccine becomes more widely available, many older adults will for the first time have a means of preventing shingles. Researchers found that giving older adults the vaccine reduced the expected number of later cases of shingles by half. And in people who still got the disease despite immunization, the severity and complications of shingles were dramatically reduced. The shingles vaccine is only a preventive therapy and is not a treatment for those who already have shingles or postherpetic neuralgia.

Mandy asks…

ramsey hunt syndrome/shingles?

hi i am 33 female and 12 weeks ago i was very ill with fever ,shakes couldn’t move hurting all over and at the time my children had chicken pox,now too my knowledge i never had them could i have had shingles without the rash?

also i have not been well since then i have face weakness and ear pain and head pain and eye pain i am worried i may have developed ramsay hunt syndrome i have been to the doctors 5 times for this and finally getting a mri done friday but i told them all my story and keep dismissing shingles as i had no rash!i really don’t know what to do please help

admin answers:

The only way you could have shingles is if you have had chicken pox at some point in the past. Shingles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus. If you have never had chicken pox, you can not get shingles. Your symptoms are being caused by something else. See your doctor.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 11, 2011 by Joe Homps

Donna asks…

Fandango………………………..?

Is Fandango‘s prices the same if you buy them at the theater? Also, how do you get the tickets…Do they mail them, print something out, or pick them up when you are at the theaters…

Is there any Prom. Codes for Fandango for $24 w/o tax?
./././././././././././././././././././././././././././././././././././././/./././././././././good

admin answers:

I see a little silhouetto of a man. Scaramouch, Scaramouch. Will you do the Fandango?

Daniel asks…

How does buying tickets on Fandango work?

How does buying tickets on Fandango work? If my mom buys a ticket for my 5 year old brother to see a PG-13 movie through Fandango, will my brother be allowed to get in?

Thanks! 🙂

admin answers:

It depends. Your brother would have to go to the ticket window to get his ticket with either his mom’s credit card or if you print out the confirmation number they can retrieve it that way. The person in the booth may not give him the ticket if he is too young unless your mom is getting it with him. However, if they have the ticket kiosk where you can go and handle that without a person, just the computer, it will print the ticket out for you. Once your brother goes inside though, they may not take his ticket if he is too young and they may reject him. Usually PG-13 movies aren’t too strict, it’s the R movies. It also depends on the person if they care while they’re working or if they don’t care what happens cause they hate their job.

John asks…

Is it safe to purchase movie tickets from Fandango with a debit card or will it charge hidden fees or scam me?

I want to buy 3 tickets to go see Aice in Wonderland. I fear that it will get sold out and I’m buying tickets online. Is it safe to use Fandango or will I regret it because of scams?

admin answers:

Ive bought a couple tickets from them in the past, I have never had a problem. They seem legit. If the show is sold out the site will say there are no tix available.

Charles asks…

If I purchase a movie ticket on Fandango will I have to print out a confirmation sheet or what?

I am buying tickets for Saw 3D online for a showing at 9:25 on Fandango. So What do I do?

admin answers:

Bring ur laptop

David asks…

Can someone explain to me how I purchase tickets on fandango if i’m going to a Regal cinema?

I would like to purchase tickets on Fandango to see Twilight on Friday @ 7:00 at a regal cinema.

I was wondering how that works? I know you purchase the tickets online but what do you do after that? What do you do when you get to the actual movies?

Please help and please check back after you answer because I might have more questions. Thank you!

admin answers:

That’s so weird i am also looking for tickets for twilight on fandango and for 7 pm too! Well i don’t know what to do when i get to the movies but i think you print out the confirmation then shoe it to the movie people (just a guess)

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Joe Homps

John asks…

I have been diagnosed with shingles but I have no rash, Is it safe to go to work?

I am still on tablets to bring the rash out and still feel not myself – but I hate to let work down. Did any one of you suffer from this and how long was you off from work? I have the weekend for the rash to break out, if the drugs work.

admin answers:

I’ve had shingles twice now and never had a fully developed rash. I couldn’t have worked though because I was in absolute agony with it. You are sick with shingles so sod work, stay at home put your feet up and rest and recuperate!

Mary asks…

I have this rash/shingles thing on my back but im not sure what it is?

Its like 12 pimple like bumps but they’re in a circle and they don’t ich or hurt , does anyone have a clue what it could be ? I can’t upload a pictire because I’m on my phone but does anyone have a clue ?

admin answers:

Shingles hurt a lot……..and I mean a lot!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you sure they are shingles??? I would suggest getting aloe vera cream or better yet the plant itself, and applying it to your rashes/shingles. If you’re using the plant, you cut it open, and a gel like substance will ooze out, rub that on your rash to make the pain subside. Aveeno lotions work great if you don’t want to get the cream, get oatmeal or aloe vera if they have that

Michael asks…

I think my shingles rash is coming back..i have some questions…?

I had a shingles rash in about april of 2005 on the right side of my neck. it scabbed over, but i still have the scar. Around new years 2007, I got it back, except on the right side of my face, next to my mouth. it was itchy, so i put diaper rash cream on it. the redness went away, but now its dry skin and it still itches. What’s going on with my skin? is it something other than shingles? should i get medical attention?? please help me!! i know that shingles, if severe enough, can be deadly.. I DONT WANT TO DIE!!!

admin answers:

Go to the doctor.

There are antiviral pills now that clear shingles up in 2 days, I had it last year.

Better safe than sorry, and you might be sorry for the rest of your life with scars.

Sandy asks…

Could a rash i have be the start of shingles?

Hi, i have little spots started to appear over my back, stomach and below my waistline, some of them look as though there is dried skin on them, they suddenly appeared yesterday, not painful or itchy – yet! How would i know if there going to be shingles?

admin answers:

It does not sound like the shingles I had a couple of years ago, when I felt a strange tingling/numbness in my arms first – both arms and pretty much symmetrical. It was really weird and like nothing I had felt before.
Shingles hides in your spine and when it emerges, usually is felt on both sides. It’s referred, so, although it feels like it’s in your arms/legs/whatever is actually just the nerves leaving your spine that supply that area. It affects the part of you body that the nerves radiating from the vertebrae with the problem supply. So it will affect both legs or all round your stomach or both arms or your head etc, but, for instance, not a leg and an arm.
I did not feel tired at all and just thought it was odd and remember laughing and telling my partner how weird it was that my arms felt so strange.
About 5 days later I started to get a rash. I had read up on the internet and when the rash came I went straight to the doctor and got the drugs and it was all gone in a flash.

If you do get the drugs early on, shingles can be got rid of very quickly and with no subsequent repercussions. However, if you wait until it has more of a hold the antibiotics will have far less effect and you can get numbness and problems afterwards. It can have a serious effect on your life.

So, it really is best to get it checked out, but it doesn’t sound like shingles. All the best, Debbie

Susan asks…

More about Shingles Rash?

I know that the same virus that causes chicken pox causes the rash, Shingles…but why? I’ve read that the rash happens usually after stress….but why does something *different* happen, instead of having another breakout of chicken pox?

Is it possible to have the chickenpox virus, if the person has never had chicken pox? (can poeple be born with the virus, or obtain the virus, and never have a cpox breakout?

Thanks.

admin answers:

The virus goes dormant in your spinal column and may resurface – recurrence most likely in the elderly or if there is and autoimmune disorder

it is a raw and painful rash, sometimes the sufferer cannot bear clothes or even sheets.

There is now a vaccine available against shingles.

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 9, 2011 by Joe Homps

John asks…

are shingles contagious?

admin answers:

“Shingles” is herpes zoster and, no, this condition is NOT contagious.

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is what causes both chicken pox and h. Zoster. After having chicken pox, sometimes the body is able to clear the virus but when it cannot, VZV retreats into spinal nerve tissue and goes dormant. It can reactivate at any time — usually after age 60 but it can reactivate in children, teens and young adults as well — often after a time of prolonged stress, such as with a serious or chronic illness. When the virus reactivates, this condition is herpes zoster, or h. Zoster for short. H. Zoster itself is not contagious anymore than a headache is contagious but when the lesions (blisters) break open, the fluid inside carries VZV and if contacted directly can transmit VZV.

If you’ve never had chicken pox and have never been vaccinated against it you’re vulnerable but the only thing you’ll end up with is…chicken pox. Herpes zoster is a potential consequence of having had a previous case of chicken pox and of carrying VZV in your spinal nerve tissue.

Ruth asks…

Can i stay over the night at my moms if she has shingles. is it contagious?

I have never had chicken pox before and had a shot for it when i was 3 and had my boster shot several years ago. Thanks.

admin answers:

You should be ok. Your mom’s shingles is a result of her immune system being very low or crashing form something like chemo etc. It should not give you the chicken pox to be around her.

Susan asks…

Are shingles contagious?

admin answers:

Yes and no. Shingles come from the same virus as chickenpox. If someone who has never had chickenpox is around someone who has shingles, they will get chickenpox. Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles later in life.

Lizzie asks…

how contagious is herpes zoster- shingles-? help please. i am very scared?

we had some guests for 5 days. after a week since they left, one of them called me and told me that he has herpes zoster.I remember that he was telling me 1 week ago that he spotted some rash on his belly. i have an 21 month old little boy, and me and my husband had chicken pox in the past. what are the chances that our kid and us can develop any of this 2 diseases?

admin answers:

You can only get chicken pox from shingles. Since you had the chicken pox already these is a VERY slim chance you could get them again. The chances of this happening is very low. You cannot get shingles from being in contact with someone with shingles. Plus i’m sure you did not come into contact with the actual blisters. That would heighten the chance of you getting the chicken pox.

Linda asks…

My ‘friend’ said that she has shingles?

Ok,so one of my ex best friends said that she has shingles,and she was really bad.she said that she couldve died,is this true?apparently she got it from her cousin and she has to take all this medicine and couldn’t see anyone cause its contagious?is all that true?thanx:D

admin answers:

It’s impossible for any of us to confidently confirm or disprove that she had shingles, but claiming to have it when you didn’t would be bizarre. I do think she’s possibly exaggerating the part about dying from it since it’s rarely fatal, but “really bad” is a total understatement for shingles. I actually strained a vocal chord from screaming in agony because the pain was that tormenting. I’ve broken bones, had a root canal, and been through chemotherapy and radiation, and shingles was worse for me. Imagine a hot iron perpetually pressed against your flesh while you were being forced to roll around in a fire ant bed. That’s what shingles feels like to me, and it’s quite possible it felt that way to her as well. It also can cause the symptoms of the flu, debilitating fatigue, and stomach pain. People experience varying symtoms and degrees of pain with shingles, and some have much milder cases than others. If she was afraid she could die hers probably would have been a more extreme case. Some people who scratch their blisters aggressively cause them to get infected, and that can lead to more serious problems. Unless she had an impaired immune system from cancer or another serious disease, it’s still unlikely she could have died from it, though. The tiny chance she would have died doesn’t mean that she didn’t fear it, especially if she was very sick. Shingles is unlike anything else most people have experienced, and most young people are really unaware of it, which makes it more scary in a way.

If she had an extreme case of shingles it’s likely she was on several medications for it. People are usually given an antiviral, and if the pain is intense they’re often prescribed a painkiller and a medication that helps with nerve pain as well. If she had infections she might have been given additional medications. Some people also take over-the-counter medications that help alleviate the flu and cold symptoms and stomach aches.

Shingles is quirky in that is highly contagious, but it’s not transmitted to others as shingles. It’s passed on as chicken pox. As the other answerer explained, the herpes zoster virus that causes chicken pox is also responsible for shingles. Once you’ve had chicken pox, the virus essentially sleeps in your spinal cord the rest of your life. The virus can become reactivated later in life because of a weak immune system, illness, extreme stress, or old age and manifest as shingles. It most commonly affects people over the age of 60, but you can get it at any age. Shingles cannot be caught from someone who has shingles. I’m still in my teens and have them. If she’s claiming that she got shingles from a cousin who had shingles, that can’t be true. It is possible she simply got shingles around the same time as her cousin, especially if both had been sick or coping with a lot of stress. A person will not get shingles from being exposed to someone with chicken pox either. It only works in the reverse. I am currently dealing with my second outbreak of shingles this year, and my school is not allowing me to move into my dorm room or attend any of my classes on campus until I’ve recovered from it because I pose a health risk to others. I couldn’t give them shingles, but I could cause them to get chicken pox if they’ve never had it before. Chicken pox is far more dangerous for teens and adults than it is for children, so it’s a serious risk. It makes sense that this girl would have to avoid people while she had shingles.

I would give her the benefit of the doubt and have compassion.

~ skylark

By the way, I’m sorry for writing about my own experiences, but I thought they might be useful to you.
: )

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 8, 2011 by Joe Homps

Richard asks…

When Herpes Zoster takes long time to heal then ….?

When Zoster takes long time to heal what could the problem be? is it true that healing differs from one person to another? I know an old woman who still have Zoster since 4 to 5 months it might be okay for her because she is OLD ….. but when young person have it for long time is it normal ? Please I need to know the answer for this horrible thing.

I’ve heard that if the rash took long time to heal it means that there is a problem with immunity system is it true?

admin answers:

I am a skin care professional and I know that in addition to taking a daily multivitamin, you should suppliment with Lysine and Zinc to speed up healing and calm inflamation. You should also apply Zinc cream to the area as well as taking a Zinc suppliment. Ravensara oil helps treat and prevent outbreaks as well. Use it at the first tingle and you may avoid an outbreak all together.
Hope this helps you out.

Jenny asks…

is it possible to have herpes zoster and be hiv negative? Or is herpes zoster always connected to hiv positive

I am only 26 and came down with a case of herpes zoster. i heard that there can be other causes such as the fact that i was under high stress at work, on my period when the zoster broke out on my back, also sunbathing, and i had 2 root canals done all in the time frame that this broke out, is it true that these could have been factors? or am i just wishful thinking that i may still be healthy?

admin answers:

Herpes zoster has absolutely nothing to do with hiv! Yes, herpes zoster can be caused by stress and the sun. Hiv is the virus that causes AIDS. Hiv can only be transmitted through bodily fluids from an infected person through sex or sharing drug needles, or breastfeeding. HIV AND HERPES ZOSTER ARE TWO SEPERATE THINGS!

Maria asks…

Help me!!! my dad has ‘Herpes zoster’ i got some question for you people?

I want answers from people who had it…
First my dad its over 50 and he got Herpes Zoster for about 6 weeks he is suffering very much i dont know how to heal it.
So its good to stay in hot room or cold if that takes effect cause we dont know something that we must know about Herpes zoster. My dad cant get over it he cant sleep at night because of it he just nap in couch and goes to his bed he its a good eater cause i know he should get his immune system back…Please help me OK
what is bad for herpes zoster and whats good so i forgot to tell you that he cant see with his eye good we think its caused from HZoster when herpes goes away does eye get better

admin answers:

Azra – It is unusual for Herpes zoster to last so long. In children and some adults, the first infection is called chickenpox. Later in age, the same virus can come out and produce what your Dad now may have = shingles.
There are good web sites with more info such as
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Shingles
If an adult has direct contact with the shingles rash on someone and has not had chickenpox as a child or a chickenpox vaccine, they can develop chickenpox, rather than shingles.
Shingles usually disappears on its own. You may only need treatment to relieve pain.
Your doctor may prescribe a medicine that fights the virus, called an antiviral. The drug helps reduce pain and complications and shorten the course of the disease. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir may be be used. Sometimes, the pain in the area where the shingles occurred may last for months or years. This pain is called postherpetic neuralgia. It occurs when the nerves have been damaged after an outbreak of shingles. Pain ranges from mild to very severe pain.

Daniel asks…

I have been diagnosed with Herpes zoster, Any advice?

admin answers:

Nothing really its ok keep on living buddy

Susan asks…

what food should i avoid eating when i have herpes zoster?

admin answers:

Http://alllinthis.blogspot.com
you can get much information in this website,kindly stay a minute in website and check anyone link at a time

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Your Questions About Shingles

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Joe Homps

Paul asks…

can chlamydia cause shingles?

i had went to the doctor for my annual exam an was tested positive for chlamydia about a month ago. an i had just went to the doctors yesterday the 19th of aug. an i have the shingles and im only 17. can it cause this?

admin answers:

Several STD’s are linked to the herpes virus. Warts, Condoloma, Shingles, Chicken Pox, Shingles, etc.

Steven asks…

can depression, paranioa, de-personalization etc. cause shingles? please please help?

okay, i’m 13, and i’ve been depressed since july 2009. It was over a huge guilt trip that i had been going through for years, i paniced and eventually told my mum. Then i felt guilty about everything i could think of that was bad, that i had done. My worries and anxiety’s got worse, and so my mum took me to the doctors knowing i had depression, and he got me a councellor. But it would take 6 months for me to be able to go to the councellor. In the end i turned her down because i felt better, but it got worse, and my worries got more complex, like am i being possessed. I had another one, i worried if this world and everything i see real? or just an illusion or simulation, it went away, but now it’s come back. When i worry about this, i feel like i’m physically in a bubble, i go light headed and everything just goes weird, as if it’s fake and not really there. It’s scary, because it’s hard to escape the worry. I also worry when i look in the mirror sometimes, i can’t get my head around that it’s me, that body that’s being controlled, even me that’s thinking?

Shingles symptoms: I have felt like i could of fainted i was that tired just, i have a rash of small pin head sized spots, they don’t hurt or itch. I have just had chicken pox and still have a few scabby spots left. I am itching over my body (only slightly), whether that’s because i’m panicing i’m not sure.
i don’t know if i have shingles or not, my mum said they look like small shingles, and they are very simular to hers. Are they shingles?

admin answers:

Shingles will appear in a line pattern… Usually on your side or back maybe across your stomach. There will also be pain in the nerves under the rash.

Are you seeing a doctor for your depression now? If not, please get your mom to take you to one right away.

Sharon asks…

Can shingles cause a sore throat and these various symptoms I’ve been having?

Ok, I’ve had a lot of unexplained symptoms over the last 4 years, including tingling/burning in my legs off and on, panic attacks, general anxiety, and most recently.. shingles. I had a few spots on my somtach right under my rib cage and extreme pain last year. I also get similar pain in my left shoulder but no spots there.

Just recently the spots came back along with the pain, and now a sore throat as well. It feels very swollen and uncomfortable. Can shingles cause all this as well as the anxiety symptoms? Nothing really seems to help, I am on 20mg of lexapro (for my anxiety attacks) and lyrica for the pain but it doesn’t really help that much.
Just to clarify, the spots were in fact shingles, the doctor did a blood test and it came back positive for herpes zosters.

admin answers:

I’m going to go out on a psychological limb here and pose a question to you:

Do you know that shingles can be caused by stress and anxity? Of course, and you are taking Lexapro already. Having gone through this kind of thing, I can relate.

I would like to suggest that you (a) stop going on the Politics section, as I’m pretty sure it’s raising your anxiety levels, (b) stop watching and reading anything to do with politics on TV and the internet, as I’m pretty sure that’s raising your anxiety levels and (c) find a nice black person to be friends with, as I’m pretty sure that this racial animus you seem to have is frightening you and raising your anxiety levels as well.

Meditation helps, massage helps, getting out in nature helps, acupressure helps, acupuncture can help, exercise helps. I wish you the best, and I hope you take my advice.

Chris asks…

can a trauma cause return of shingles?

Being hit by a truck while crossing street at strip mall. Recovery from accident, now I got shingles.

admin answers:

Yes, because trauma can compromise your immune system.

Unless the immune system is compromised, it suppresses reactivation of the virus that causes shingles and prevents herpes zoster. Why this suppression sometimes fails is poorly understood, but herpes zoster is more likely to occur in people whose immune system is impaired due to aging, immunosuppressive therapy, psychological stress, or other factors.

Maria asks…

what would cause a person to suddenly have shingles?

I had a red spot show up on my chest. It then seemed to have little bumps, and now it’s like a red scar. Why would this happen out of no where? I am going to the doctor next week. Just wondering if anyone had any insights.

admin answers:

It could be an allergic reaction to something. If you are taking any medication it could be from that, or if you started doing something different (different laundry detergent for example). Someone can develop shingles If they have not had chickenpox or if they have never had an immunization for it. They do have a shingles vaccine now, but you have to be at least 60 i believe to receive it.

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