Shingles

Hi, sorry you've had the dreaded shingles. There's no answer to your question as it varies from person to person. Your immune system must have been down to get it in the first place, it attacks when your weak/unwell etc. Do you have any auto immune illness? Try to keep away from people who are ill, even a cold when possible as you are still vulnerable to infection. You should pick up slowly if you take care of yourself, eat healthily, no junk foods. I'm sure others will come on with good advice too. Take care. Pollyanna UK

I am sorry that you had Herpes Zoster Shingles. It occurs usually when individuals are older, under stress, injured, or immunocompromized.

Do you have any underlying autoimmune diseases such as SLE, RA, Psoriasis, ITP, or taking corticosteroids or have cancer or IBS?

I am a Nurse Practitioner in the States and have had Herpes Zoster Shingles in my right ear every three to five weeks for the past twentyone years and twice in my right eye.

Best Wishes

Merry Juliana

Hi mariann,

I got shingles Nov 2016 so five months ago. The virus totally knocked me out. I have basically had little to no energy for all these months. I am only now slowly getting my strength back, but I have been sick with headaches, muscles aches, insomnia, colds and severe anxiety all triggered by shingles. Before I got shingles, I was in great health and had more energy than anyone I know. I have had to adjust to my "new normal." Everyone's body reacts differently to shingles. Unfortunately, I also have the after shingles nerve pain now which further zaps my energy. But, I have changed my life completely by eating a strict, healthy diet; I try to sleep a lot, avoid stress and practice mediation. I also get moderate exercise and 

tryto balance my life. It takes a long time for shingles and the after effects to  lessen and your immune system to get back to normal. All I can tell you is what everyone who has had shingles tells me, it takes a long time to feel better. My best advice is to live a completely heath focussed life! Try not to overdue it on days you feel better. Try to live with healing your body as the first priority.

Also, Marianne, wash your hands frequently and use sanitary wipes to wash down phones, computers, etc. I use a paper towel to turn off faucets in the lady's room and open doors. As a Nurse Practitioner, I am more conscious (or paranoid) of microbes passing this way, but I have avoided catching a cold, the flu, a gastrointestinal illness etc in over a decade since I adopted this strict practice.

Merry Juliana

I don't know the answer to this.  I had shingles in November and December and I still try to get as much rest as I can.  Fortunately, I'm retired and have few responsibilities, so it's easy for me to get lots of rest, which, I believe, has helped me recover from shingles.

If you're still feeling your Immune system is weak maybe you need to look into taking a multivitamin like vitamin C. I know when I get the shingles I take lysine B 12 sublingual drops and vitamin C.