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Recurring shingles after 21 days, not sure how to deal with this

Posted , 3 users are following.

Lillyta
Lillyta

Hello,

My first shingles was August 13th, 2017, the second November 13, 2017 and the third today.

Each time,  I took acyclovir as soon as I could notice the rash. The first time I had vesicles and blisters and it took so long for me to feel better. The second one was mild but in less than a month, I am having shingles again.

Do i have to take acyclovir each time there is a rash?

How can I stop this?

When can I take the vaccine?

PS: I am eating really healthy and making sure my food is high lysine and low arginine. I also take L-Lysine supplement.

Any advice, Thanks for all your help.

1 like, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 Lillyta

    Posted

    Hi Lillyta,

    I am so sorry you are ill, again.

    I would ask for the antiviral, Famciclovir 500mg 3x daily for 7 days.

    Acyclovir is somewhat resistant to the varicella virus. The dosing regimen is difficult as it is 5 times a day. It takes the longest to work on people, so the duration of the illness is longer.

    Valcyclovir or Valtrex is based on Acyclovir. The tablets are huge to swallow.

    I would have your Vitamin D level checked. If it is low, you need to take

    Vitamin D3 2000 IU daily.

    Low levels of Vitamin D are linked with viral diseases.

    The Shingrex vaccine was approved by the FDA in October 2017. I would wait until that vaccine is available for the public.

    I do not remember your age Lillyta. Zostavax's minimum age was 50 years.

    Hopefully, Shingrex will be the same.

    Unfortunately, in the UK, the minimum age was 70 years.

    I hope this has helped you.

    Best Wishes

    Merry Juliana

    • Lillyta
      Lillyta Merry19451

      Posted

      Hello Merry,

      Thank you so much for your kind message that brings lots of warmth.

      I am 57, and I am taking vitamin D 3000IU a day. I live in Alberta (Canada) where winter is very long and don't get much exposure to sun, therefore we all have to take Vit daily .

      Thank you for suggesting Famciclovir, next time I will ask the doctor for that one if it exists in Canada. I heard about the new vaccine, I hope it will be in the market soon, who knows, maybe it will end my shingles.

      Thank you so much for taking the time to write back, very appreciated.

      Lilly

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