Shingles. Get your damn shot.
Posted by AliceLand@reddit | GenX | View on Reddit | 355 comments
That shit is no joke. Was Chicken Pox that bad and we were just too young to remember. And a big f-you to those with the Chicken Pox vaccine.
SlowMolassas1@reddit
I wish they'd let me get it before 50. I've been in extremely high stress lately, and I'm just waiting for it to hit me in the 3 years before I qualify.
Nicholiason@reddit
I got shingles at 43. At least you've made it this far.
StormProfessional950@reddit
I've had it twice now. Once when I was 17, the other when I was 44. Bastard of a thing.
Known-Interaction474@reddit
I’m an immunization nurse. If you’ve had shingles and are under 50 you can get the shingles vaccination now: https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html#:~:text=For%20patients%20who%20previously%20had,acute%20episode%20of%20herpes%20zoster.
porcelainfog@reddit
Sorry for Necro posting. I had shingles when I was 25 and I'm 32 now. Do you think I should go for my shots? I really don't want to get it again and waiting until I'm 50 seems risky.
MayorMcCheez@reddit
I am 48 and they turned me down when I asked because I wasn’t 50 yet. Since then, my 45 year old cousin got shingles. Would they likely allow me to get it early due to family history if I asked again?
otterlyconfounded@reddit
Go through the manufacturer website and indicate high risk and they will route you to area pharmacy for an appointment.
I had to argue with Wegmans but they eventually apologized and said whoops, we've had standing orders /scope of practice for high risk under 50 for 2 years and gave me the jab.
CVS was also willing but I had an insurance weirdness.
Known-Interaction474@reddit
Probably not, only if you have an immune system deficiency or already had shingles.
olookcupcakes@reddit
I had shingles when I was 6. I've still got scars
StormProfessional950@reddit
So did you have chicken pox before that? Genuine question
olookcupcakes@reddit
I'm pretty sure I did. I only know from what my parents told me..
flatulating_ninja@reddit
I got shingles at 39. I've asked for the vaccine every year since and they keep saying I have to wait til I'm 50.
KarisPurr@reddit
Shingles at 33. Ask your Dr to write a script for it.
Like_Ottos_Jacket@reddit
Yep. I got shingles at 40. Didn't know wtf was going on until I went to the doctor.
beegsyboo@reddit
I got shingles at 41. It passed quickly but it was super painful and the rash, which turned black on my skin, was fucking disgusting!!
Alternative_Meat_235@reddit
A doctor has to write you a script and send it to the pharmacy
ArtisticDegree3915@reddit
Diabetic by chance?
I'm reading that CDC recommends it for adults 50 and older or adults 19 and older who are immunocompromised. Diabetics are considered immunocompromised.
But if it stresses you out then talk to your doctor about it. See if they'll go ahead and give it to you.
SlowMolassas1@reddit
Not diabetic. Doc says at 50. I've thought about trying to find a pharmacy willing to do it, but since I have to drive an hour each way (twice for both doses) I don't want to get turned away when I show up.
justme7256@reddit
I’m waiting for 50, too. Got about 3 years to wait, too.
Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit
That was one thing I looked forward to when I turned 50.
bonkette@reddit
I got shingles less than a month before my 50 birthday. I was extremely stressed and traveling a lot.
Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit
Damn! I was counting the days to my 50th to get the vaccine. I actually had to wait a few months after 50 because I had some other issues going on.
V_SanDiego@reddit
Ask your pcp for an rx
Some-Exchange-4711@reddit
I hear ya. My sister just had shingles at 49
polocanyolo@reddit
I have never had chicken pox.
Known-Interaction474@reddit
I’m an immunization nurse, if you truly aren’t immune to chickenpox I encourage you to get the chickenpox vaccine. You can get chickenpox from someone with shingles. Your doctor can run a blood test to see if you have immunity to chickenpox first.
ComplaintDry7576@reddit
I am 62. I have never gotten the chicken pox, nor have my two siblings. Both of my kids got the chicken pox, and I did not get it from them. I have never received the shingles shot. Should I?
Known-Interaction474@reddit
If you were born before 1990 you 99% had chickenpox. You may not remember it, but it could have been super mild and it wasn’t thought to be more than a viral rash. You can’t get shingles unless you’ve had chickenpox.
If you want have your doctor test you for immunity and then get the appropriate shot. Not immune to chickenpox = need chickenpox vaccine. If you have chickenpox antibodies and weren’t vaccinated against it get the shingles series. It’s 96% effective at preventing a shingles outbreak.
ComplaintDry7576@reddit
Thank you.
MCMaude@reddit
Exact same for me. Never had chicken pox, neither did my brother. My kids had it, and I didn't get it. Four years ago I got shingles. It sucked.
ComplaintDry7576@reddit
Well, that answers my question. I have been naive in believing I wouldn’t get shingles because of not having the chicken pox. Guess I’ll get vaccinated. My husband got the shingles vaccine, both shots, and got the body chills bad both times. Arm hurt, also.
MCMaude@reddit
I got the vaccine and felt like helllll. Still better than shingles.
Known-Interaction474@reddit
25% of the people who get the shingles series will have a robust immune response: fever, body aches, headache, tiredness and a very sore arm. This is because there is an adjuvant in it that stimulates the immune system. As we age the immune system doesn’t work as well as when we were kids so the vaccine needs something to help trigger the immune system.
MCMaude@reddit
Yeah that tracks. I have lupus.
ComplaintDry7576@reddit
Thanks for the advice. I’m very needle phobic, but know I need to go get the shots. Like I indicted, I was under the assumption I was safe.
Girl77879@reddit
If you miss the 2nd in the series, do you have to start over if it's been 15 years? (I checked my status recently and it says 1/2 for Chicken Pox. Thankfully, I never got it at a kid, or in college despite being exposed. (Girl in college sitting across fron me at lunch: "ugh, so stupid I have to go home for two weeks, I'm waiting for my parents." Why? "I have chicken pox". I have never moved tables so fast.)
Known-Interaction474@reddit
No need to start over, just get dose number 2 and you’re good to go. Never have to restart a vaccine series.
polocanyolo@reddit
Thanks! I was vaxxed 22 years ago around the time my oldest was vaxxed. Do I need a booster?
Known-Interaction474@reddit
Nope, just the initial ones. You should be good to go.
stephenforbes@reddit
Studies show that more than 99% of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don't remember it.
katzeye007@reddit
Oh, I remember it and that disgusting oatmeal bath
Snakeinbottle@reddit
Oh God. Why did you have to remind me. I had successfully blocked that out
Rowan6547@reddit
My mom covered us in pink goo. Calomine lotion?
Loisgrand6@reddit
Calamine
akbuik70@reddit
My Mom would remember if I had it.
sarkastikboobs@reddit
Same. You don’t need the shingles vaccine if you haven’t had children pox.
MCMaude@reddit
I had the same situation exactly and got shingles.
BigBadBirdDog1@reddit
Nah I'm good.
kon---@reddit
Wild that there's this whole damn bomb waiting to wreck a person's shit that's just been sitting in there waiting on its time for 50 damn years.
That shingles vaccine, makes your arm mostly useless for a day or two. The good news, after receiving the shingles vaccine, you will laugh at flu shot soreness.
1singhnee@reddit
Pro Tip: do not get shingles, covid, and flu vaccines all at the same time. No matter what the doctor says.
AnybodySeeMyKeys@reddit
I did that. Bad mistake.
G00G00Daddy@reddit
I did for the second shot. Not dramatically different for me (still sucked)
scotchybob@reddit
My wife did this and was seriously jacked up for almost a week. Pharmacists and doctors may be educated, but they can't possibly know how your personal physiology is gonna handle things. Do the smart thing and space that shit out people.
CookinCheap@reddit
By "jacked up" at first I thought you meant she got a Popeye arm
Chateaudelait@reddit
First Shingrix vax series knocked me out so hard - if you set up a card table 6 feet away from my bed stacked with hundred dollar bills and told me "Help yourself!" I couldn't have done it. Knocked out in bed like a bad flu for 3 days. Fever, chills, aches, no appetite. Second dosage no problem.
Prodigalsunspot@reddit
I was scheduled to get both covid and shingles on the same day and the pharmacist refused to do it, thank goodness.
JustMeInBigD@reddit
Our clinic wouldn't let me do Shingrix and COVID at the same time.
AddisonFlowstate@reddit
And for someone like me who's had covid about seven times, the shot is way worse than getting the actual disease at this point. I don't think I'll ever get it again unless there's some kind of crazy resurgence.
Linux4ever_Leo@reddit
I did that! LOL! I had T-rex arms for two days!
grapesofwrathforever@reddit
Who still gets covid shots
1singhnee@reddit
My workplace sends out an announcement every time someone gets Covid. It’s frequent enough to keep me vaccinated.
hazelquarrier_couch@reddit
That's really a violation of privacy.
1singhnee@reddit
Why? No one is named.
hazelquarrier_couch@reddit
Sorry I read your comment thinking that a person was being named.
1singhnee@reddit
No, I’d be all over that, I do security audits as part of my job.
This is more, “X many people in your building self reported having COVID.”
TheNotSoGreatPumpkin@reddit
My last company used to send a companywide with no specific name, but also said that people who have recently worked closely with the individual will be contacted privately.
Seemed fair to me. There’s no shame in catching it, and withholding the info would be reckless.
TypicalParticular612@reddit
I have never had a covid or Flu shot. I had a very mild case of covid in Jan 2021, just headache and fever for 24hrs. I had had the flu twice in 15 or so years.
My husband being military, had to have flu shot ever year and covid vax in the beginning. He got the flu almost every year, and had covid 4 times
Unable-Arm-448@reddit
Smart people, that's who! :-)
Wooden_Staff3810@reddit
I do. I have never gotten covid........yet.
Dark-Empath-@reddit
Correlation isnt causation however. I’ve had COVID twice, once before and once after vaccination. I don’t even think the medical authority claim it prevented COVID, merely that it lessened the severity. Whether that’s true or not is hard to say. It was less severe the second time around for me, but by that point there were new variants which reportedly caused less severe symptoms anyway.
rthrtylr@reddit
Anyone with a lick of sense.
billymumfreydownfall@reddit
Ewww. Imagine being like this in 2025
One-Armed-Krycek@reddit
I have heard of several people I know offered all three shots in one plus the pneumonia vaccine. Whyyyyyy?
erst77@reddit
Because a lot of people just won't come back. For a lot of folks (like me), it takes time for me to work myself up to actually schedule the appointment. I have an irrational level of fear about needles, and I sometimes pass out when I get injections or blood draws. Add that to me being busy with work and family and stuff, and it gets really easy to just not schedule the appointments and keep telling myself I totally will one of these days.
I'd rather get all the shots all at once and risk being physically miserable for a few days, rather than work through being psychologically miserable for days to weeks multiple times.
TheNotSoGreatPumpkin@reddit
It can help to look away during blood draws. I didn’t used to think I had a problem watching them, but then nearly fell over after one.
kubrick5150@reddit
It's different for everyone, I guess. I got all three and felt a little run down the next day. The injection sites hurt for several days.
1singhnee@reddit
I couldn’t lift either of my arms above my head for several days.
kubrick5150@reddit
Ouch. Sorry. I'll be quiet about my mild reaction.
CantTouchMyOnion@reddit
First shot was nothing. Second round made me feel lousy, which is probably why people skip the second dose.
ZookeepergameNo4829@reddit
A lot of people seem to have that issue, esp with the COVID.
CalRag@reddit
My wife did that against my advice. We went to eat after the shots. She was melting into the table during the meal. I was home on injury so I could take care of her. She didn't leave the bed for about a week.
Snakeinbottle@reddit
Literally just did this. UGHH. I'M SO FUCKED UP RIGHT NOW.
Eagle_Fang135@reddit
They lowered the Pneumonia age so I got my second Shingles and Pneumonia at the same time.
Whelp first off both use long thick needles. So my arm was sore at the get go . And both make you feel sore for a few days.
I mean is it better to step on two legos barefoot at once or one at a time? Just be ready for the recovery.
Puffpuffpassfriend@reddit
Mind sharing why? Reason I ask is got 4 in one day few months back at Walgreens(covid, flu,shingles#1,pneumococcal), normal arm soreness(both arms) for few days.
1singhnee@reddit
First two days felt like a mild flu, but I couldn’t lift my arms high enough to brush my hair for a few days. lol
Impressive_Age1362@reddit
I got shingle and the pneumonia vaccine at the same time, no issues
ConstructionSame3253@reddit
Did that! It was bad.
MuddyWheelsBand@reddit
But he's a doctor, don't you trust the science? 🤣🤣🤣
Zimke42@reddit
I got all three on the same day. I was sleepy the next day and tired the day after that, but it wasn’t that bad for me. Some people have it a lot worse, I know. I just planned it when I had a couple days to recover, just in case.
bkpro1001@reddit
I did that too. It wasn’t pleasant.
MartianFairy@reddit
I did that….and regretted it. At least I waited on the pneumonia shot. Plus side - all done now!
do_IT_withme@reddit
Weird I couldn't even tell I had received a shot when I got my shingles vaccine shots.
kon---@reddit
How long have you been an alien from space in a skin suit?
do_IT_withme@reddit
Great, now J or K will have to erase your memory. I swear I'm just swamp gas reflecting Neptune. Or maybe I just have gas. I'm not sure at this point.
WeirdcoolWilson@reddit
I got my shingles vaccine (first one) today and I can concur. But my sore arm will pass in a day or so. My Grammie had shingles and it was agony
Substantial-Win-1564@reddit
I got shingles, flu, and pneumonia all together. Shingles arm was sore for about three days. The other 2 were no big deal. I’m 55M and only got a Covid vax before. Last year got pneumonia and almost died. I went from 210 pounds to 150 in two months. It was horrible. A buddy got shingles and it was brutal. Give me all the vaccines every year.
kblv-forred@reddit
Glad you recovered. I'm 55F and haven't had the shingles shot but I suppose I need to. I've had the pneumonia and all the Covids they will give me. Never gotten more than a sore arm from a vaccine!
bnjmnzs@reddit
Laughs in smallpox vaccine
TheNotSoGreatPumpkin@reddit
Now imagine being ordered to be inoculated for smallpox while fighting a brutal war under General Washington?
We are a bunch of babies.
bnjmnzs@reddit
I definitely got my smallpox shot and immediately had to ship out to Iraq so I guess I’m just a 20th century baby
TheNotSoGreatPumpkin@reddit
Thank you for your service!
grumpynetgeekintexas@reddit
Got my shingles vaccine as soon as I could, we witnessed our 25 year old son go through shingles around his eye and back several years ago.
That_Angry_Dad@reddit
I did this, shingles around the eye at 27…. Thought it was a brain tumor. I’ve had to have kidney stones fished out and shingles was worse. I need to ask my doctor if I need to vaccinate after having it early on.
unbalancedcheckbook@reddit
For reasons I don't understand they still insist on 50 for the minimum age. I think they should pull that in at least a decade. Talk to your doctor though, IANAD. I just couldn't get it when I asked after getting shingles "prematurely".
Bamalouie@reddit
They need to change this arbitrary age limit. I got shingles a couple of months ago and can't get the vax until I'm 50 despite having had ir. Makes no sense!
No-Obligation-8506@reddit
My husband got it at 42 and they won't give him the vax until 50. He was miserable for weeks. I do believe your doctor can prescribe it for you before age 50 though. Check that out if you're interested.
KarisPurr@reddit
This one! My doctor said “go get it NOW” when I was 37, 4 years after I’d had shingles. He prescribed it for me and my insurance picked it up.
Bamalouie@reddit
Thank you!
Bulky_Baseball2305@reddit
I got the first shot and had 103 fever, chills, vomiting and muscle aches it was hell. I didn’t get the 2nd shot I admit I was dreading being sick like that again. Seems whatever medication I get I develop the 1% of side effects from it
paranoid_70@reddit
I had pretty bad side effects from the first shot, but for some reason the second one was pretty mild.
WaldoJeffers65@reddit
I wish I only got a useless arm from the vaccine. I was sick for two days after the shot, much worse than any of the times I got the Covid shot. Still, it was better than getting shingles.
paranoid_70@reddit
I got the shingles shot in 2020. I thought for sure I was coming down with Covid, and then I read all of the side effects from the Shingrix - ticked ALL the boxes.
Misfitranchgoats@reddit
for those who get shingles or who are starting an active case of shingles. You can try this as it can help and they have done some clinical trials with it. It can shorten the duration of the outbreak to 10 days from 35 days.
"take 200 mg of cimetidine (Tagamet) three times a day and then 400 mg a bedtime. Tagamet is available in pharmacies over-the-counter. Suggested use is to initiate Tagamet as soon as symptoms of a herpes-related virus infection appear. Continue to take it for one to two weeks after all symptoms of the outbreak have abated. One precautionary note, even though Tagamet (cimetidine) is sold over-the-counter, refer to the package insert to make sure it does not interact with prescription drugs you may already be taking. Please note that if your doctor prescribes generic"
link to the entire article below
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2001/3/report_tagamet
I am not saying don't get a shingles vaccine, I am hoping that this will help someone who might be in a lot of pain right now.
SeatSix@reddit
Shingles vaccine was the worst i have ever had. Three days of flu feeling with both. Still better than shingles
Rowan6547@reddit
Most of my Gen X friends had Shingles in their 30s, but they won't let us get the vaccine until we're 50. :-(
KarisPurr@reddit
Ask your Dr to prescribe it. I had it at 33 and when I switched doctors at 37 he was appalled that I hadn’t had it.
Rowan6547@reddit
That's interesting. My friend asked the pharmacist if she could get the vaccine because she has shingles in her 30s, based on the CDC guidelines and they declined. Or at least her insurance declined until she's 50. Her birthday is in one month and that's a top priority.
SilentJoe27@reddit
My roommate got the shingles vaccine not too long ago. He was absolutely miserable for a couple of days
kiwiboyus@reddit
I had it when I was 20 (my immune system had taken a dive) and it sucked soooooo bad
Milo_Minderbinding@reddit
I've never been sore from the flu shot. The COVID shot made me feel like I had COVID for like 18 hours, fever, body aches, exhaustion.
I'm going to jump on the shingles shot when it's time.
spotolux@reddit
The shingles vaccine put me down for three days, not just a sore arm. Terrible experience but a hundred times better than ending up in the hospital with shingles like some people I know.
KidBlastoff@reddit
Sore as hell for three days. Never felt sick but my arm was useless.
AnybodySeeMyKeys@reddit
I had shingles. You couldn't get me to get the vaccine fast enough.
Fibocrypto@reddit
The shingles shot will not prevent anyone from getting shingles. It will still take approximately 2 weeks to go through and can take up to a month.
BryanMichaelFrancis@reddit
Dumbass
Fibocrypto@reddit
Being ignorant is a choice
BryanMichaelFrancis@reddit
You certainly made it
Fibocrypto@reddit
Ask your Dr about this
BryanMichaelFrancis@reddit
About why you posted this twice? Guessing she’ll say it is because you’re a simpleton.
Fibocrypto@reddit
It was caused by my phone memory being full and I thought it didn't post so hit post again
BryanMichaelFrancis@reddit
Ask my doctor why you’re a dumbass?
Fibocrypto@reddit
No,
Ask your Dr if having the shingles vaccine will prevent you from getting shingles and ask what exactly the vaccine will do for you if you get shingles.
There is nothing wrong with educating yourself
Fibocrypto@reddit
Ask your Dr about this
Zealousideal_Sun6362@reddit
Our clinic has developed an effective and fast treatment for shingles, that, as far as we can tell, takes care of it permanently.
Heavy_Law9880@reddit
I just got my second shot.
m0llusk@reddit
It's going to be two shots for most, just saying.
cjaycope@reddit
Had shingles. It sucks. Will not get the vaccine. Had COVID as well, stopped getting those. I guess I am just a risk taker.
timberwolf0122@reddit
It’s riskier not to be vaccinated, that’s one of the reasons humans live a lot longer these days
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
No - clean water and sanitization is why humans live longer.
timberwolf0122@reddit
That is a part of it, yes. However that doesn't minimize the fact that vaccines save lives
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
I know too many people who have been harmed by them to take that at face value. Thanks, though.
timberwolf0122@reddit
Harmed in what way?
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
It’s all been neurological damage in some way, ranging from a wide area of numbness around the injection site to Bells Palsy to GBS to seizures.
timberwolf0122@reddit
You Dont think maybe that's a coincidence? Given the hundreds of millions of people who have been vaccinated multiple time with no ill effects?
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
No. They were all acknowledged by their doctors as reactions to the vaccines. FYI these are not isolated cases. If you think it’s that rare, you’ve not been paying attention. I understand Reddit is vaccine pusher central. I took your question at face value, but also expected your dismissive response. I’ll not be engaging further. Have a nice day.
timberwolf0122@reddit
Unfortunately it's people like you that are bringing back diseases.we had all but eradicated
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
You are ignorant.
I know another person who is on permanent disability because one of the vaccines in the military fucked up his leg. Yes, the military acknowledged it.
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
Or, you simply don't take medical advice from people on Reddit, which is smart.
Pankosmanko@reddit
Why are you saying fuck you to vaccinated people?
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
I think it's some kind of backwards way to say OP is jealous of the people who have access to something they didn't.
Blu_Skies_In_My_Head@reddit
Get them now before they are banned.
purplishfluffyclouds@reddit
Why would it be banned? The only logical reason something like that would be banned is if it did more harm than good. In which case, why would you want it? lol
Necessary_Range_3261@reddit
Why would they be banned?
Somerhild_wode@reddit
Right?! Omg 😒
Level21DungeonMaster@reddit
I just got Shigles for Christmas. That sucked.
AaBk2Bk@reddit
So do I need to get the vaccine even if I’ve already had my round of shingles? Isn’t it like chicken pox where it only happens once?
otterlyconfounded@reddit
Keeps coming back! Same location usually, maybe with spread.
Dry_Yogurt2458@reddit
No, shingles is the reactivated chicken pox virus. The virus stays in your body forever and can reactivate over and over . You need the vaccine even if you have already had shingles.
AaBk2Bk@reddit
Glad to know. Hit me pre-40 and was BRUTAL. Hilariously, I spent the first week wondering what all the fuss was about…then the second week happened. It will bring you to your knees is an instant.
Firm_Frosting_6247@reddit
Never had chicken pox as a kid. Actually was tested for antibodies, just in case maybe I had a mild form. So...got the vaccine. Never can get shingles.
otterlyconfounded@reddit
Chicken pox and shingles are separate vaccines tho?
Firm_Frosting_6247@reddit
From the same virus.
CHIDENCHI@reddit
After reading all the warnings in this sub I high tailed it to the local Walgreens. I’m only a couple months shy of 50 and have been denied the shot at 3 separate pharmacies. My doctor won’t write a script either.
The good news is shingles is sentient and knows to wait until I’m 50 to strike. I hope the /s isn’t needed here.
otterlyconfounded@reddit
You have to have risk to get it young and I don't even know if Walgreens does standing under 50 with risk. Definitely got turned down there.
otterlyconfounded@reddit
Natural chicken pox immunity can also wane.
MuricanPoxyCliff@reddit
It's a long story but bottom line conceptually: I had a low-intensity never fully dormant run of shingles for almost six years. Went undiagnosed due to underlying disability and I was in a very real sense "under the influence" of a mind virus. Once I was able to get the full course vaccination... I can't even describe the levels of paranoia and delusions that disappeared overnight.
Even one bout is painful af. Don't risk it.
Exciting-Current-778@reddit
I really hope the covid antivaxxers don't get the shingles vax so they can suffer through this...
TallyLiah@reddit
My son who is in his 20s was required by the state law to get the chicken pox vaccine. He was exposed as a baby but never got them and at one year he got the first shot. Senior year of high school there was a big outburst of chickenpox in his school system. He was required to get the second shot or face 3 weeks off of school because he had not gotten the second shot yet. I'm not going to get into his anti-vax dad and stepmom but needless to say he had to fight them on getting it and he won that fight. As a senior he did not want to miss 3 weeks of school because of chickenpox. So before you go down in the ones that cut the chickenpox vaccines you need to rethink that a little bit. A lot of the ones that do have it got it as babies when their parents took them to get the vaccines. And some state required the second dose vaccine for school records.
bzsbal@reddit
Fun (not so fun) fact: if you are young and get shingles, you’re more likely to get it more than once. Got it when I was 17. I’m in my early 40’s now and have had it 6 times. It’s awful!
Consistent-Ad-6506@reddit
I can’t get the shot. I tried. They said I was too young even tho everyone with shingles that I know is younger than me.
runninganddrinking@reddit
I would if I was old enough lol
sfdsquid@reddit
Weird you got downvoted for this.
runninganddrinking@reddit
It’s Reddit so I expect nothing less! Yeah, I guess being 48 is a detriment on this board
Curious-External-7@reddit
I really need to do this. I'm waiting for some down time at work because I've talked to a few people who told me the first shot knocked them on their asses for a few days. One bad enough that she never went back for the second one.
sfdsquid@reddit
I was lucky. All I got both times was a sore arm.
sfdsquid@reddit
I never had chicken pox despite being exposed several times (sister had it bad and I babysat a bunch of kids who had it). So as soon as I turned 50 I got the vaccine. I don't really understand what shingles is but from what I have heard, I don't want it.
kappakai@reddit
My parents are 80. Should they get the shot?
sfdsquid@reddit
Uh, yeah.
Chickenbrik@reddit
Gf got it, she said it was horrendous I’m sorry you had to go through it
catperson3000@reddit
Just finished my series. Hard pass on the shingles. Chicken pox was indeed horrible. I hope you are on the mend soon.
Snoo-25743@reddit
I saw the hell my dad went through with it. He said it was the worst pain he ever felt, and this was a guy who broke his back earlier in life. Got my shots last year.
MalsPrettyBonnet@reddit
No, chicken pox is NOT as bad as shingles. Shingles hits the nerve root and causes excruciating pain.
Youcants1tw1thus@reddit
FOR A REALLY LONG FUCKING TIME. I had shingles for like 2 months start to finish and at least one full month was peak excruciating pain. The t-shirt touching my skin felt like a branding iron, for a month.
MalsPrettyBonnet@reddit
It really is unbelievable. And unfair.
Koolbreeze68@reddit
Yeah I just remember chicken pox the red bumps and itchy as hell I still have scars from scratching too much. You do not want to get shingles. The pain is maddening
Recent_Page8229@reddit
I got it the day before my 50th. Holy hell, just having to wear a winter coat was like having a sandpaper shirt with no skin on.
Sandpaper_Pants@reddit
It hurts. Flu shots don't hurt at all. This one does.
Watcher0011@reddit
I got chicken pox at 19 and it almost killed me.
unbalancedcheckbook@reddit
OMG yes. I got shingles this year (before I was eligible for the vaccine) and well, that shit hurts. I'm getting the shot next year as soon as I'm eligible.
chessmonger@reddit
No
ljlkm@reddit
Got my shots! My brother (an anti-vaxxer) got shingles and it was so bad he encouraged me to get vaccinated.
Charlie2and4@reddit
I loved being covered in itchy puss filled zits for 5 days! And the icy dagger of pain up my spine when I was 45 added to my memories of singles.
JimfromMayberry@reddit
I had Shingles around my rib cage years ago. I remember sitting shirtless on a stool for a week…because I couldn’t stand anything against me. Still have the weird scars. Absolutely no joke…
PorchDogs@reddit
pro tip: after getting any vaccine, rub the injection site firmly for a minute or two (not just 5 seconds, really rub it and count one-one hundred two-one hundred to sixty). Then move your arm up down around and around. It looks stupid, and you may have to rub your arm while you leave the pharmacy / doctor's office and get outside or to a hallway where you have enough room to swing your arm around, ha. BUT, it's worth it. It will really minimize (or eliminate) that soreness in your arm.
And I've had friends/family who have had shingles, and all agree that it is much much much worse than a day or two of arm soreness.
TheFoxsWeddingTarot@reddit
If you get chicken pox young it can be quite mild. I got it at 17 and it was hell. I still have some scars in my 50s. I got shingles in my 30s, no scars but 2 weeks of incredibly painful fever, absolute hell, lost 10lbs.
Get the damn shot.
el_grande_ricardo@reddit
A couple of people i talked to said the 2nd Shingrix dose kicked their ass.
Good-Replacement269@reddit
Never got the vaccine for chicken pox or shingles. 61M just got diagnosed with shingles a week ago. Dr. prescribed acyclovir and it cleared up in 3 or 4 days. Good call by doc. Nice to be out of that crap
Big_Mathematician755@reddit
Some had them worse than others. I remember having them and trying so hard not to scratch. Pink calamine lotion polka dots all over.
KarisPurr@reddit
I got shingles at 33. Worst fucking pain I’ve ever felt. And I’ve given birth.
Several spots on my left ribcage are still completely numb 7 years later, while there’s one spot towards my back that gives me a super painful nerve zap if pressed.
Since I had it young I’m allowed to have Shingrix. If there’s ANY way you can get it under 50- immunosuppression, late chicken pox, etc. I seriously beg you to take it. It’s the worst vax I’ve ever had, I did nothing but sleep and take zofran for 2 days after, but my god anything is better than shingles 😭
usernameround20@reddit
Turn 50 this week. Called and booked my appointment today because all these posts have my attention.
Big_Profession_2218@reddit
Sean Connery voice: "But wait lad, what about all the hot shingles in your area ?!!"
Deliriousglide@reddit
I mentioned Sundays above that I had shingles on my early 20s. I was scheduled to travel in December so I’m November I went and hit a bunch of vaccines I hadn’t had yet , mmm my first dose of bc shingrix. I thought, having 5 vaccines at once, I should expect either pop as in in the injection site or several days feeling low, but neither happened to me.
EquivalentFlimsy8724@reddit
I was thinking about this yesterday. I never had chicken pox, but to “be on the safe side” should I get it anyway?
Deliriousglide@reddit
Absolutely! There is some chance you might get some uncomfortable at the injection site or feel under the weather for a a couple of days. But boy oh boy do you not want full fledged shingles.
I had chickenpox as a kid and’s I do not have even the tiniest forgiving memory of it… it was hell. But I got shingles shortly after graduating college and it was miserable. It was all up my spine, too so it was very difficult for me to treat or scratch or anything. Trust me, you don’t want it!
evilBogie666@reddit
I’ve never had chicken pox. I have 5 kids, and it scared the crap out of me every time.
droodmanz@reddit
I remember being 4 and the kid down the way had chicken pox, and hey, next thing you know I am spending the night over there. Anyway, I'm glad I got the shots. Talked to a guy that had it, and it convinced me to just get it.
geekraver@reddit
My dad is ancient but put most people to shame with brisk 5 mile walks every day. Got shingles 6 months ago and has been in debilitating pain ever since. I reckon it’s taken 5 years off his life.
FamiliarRaspberry805@reddit
The only reason I’m excited to turn 50.
Clear-Presence7440@reddit
I wanted to save time last year, asked the nurse if I could combine pneumonia, COVID, flu, and Rsv. Thought I was going to die after the shakes and fever got me.
AverageGuy_76@reddit
Got shingles on my face in 2023.
WORST! PAIN! EVER!
Everyone I know who is eligible has gotten the vaccine after seeing what I looked like.
New-Chemistry7352@reddit
OMG. Chicken Pox was the worst. My little sister got. My mother just threw me in the room with her. I remember being furious about it. I still have a mark on my wrist from scratching.
That was more than 45 years ago.
I can remember all of that clearly but what did I come into the kitchen for????
Dad_bod_modeling@reddit
Shingles was easily the worst pain in my life. It was the most miserable month of my life and then the next month was just merely shitty.
Verbull710@reddit
Had chickenpox when i was like 5, no biggie. Had a shingles outbreak in highschool, I think my junior year.
It really hurt, a lot. I remember wincing in pain when the bedsheet would touch my skin. Fun times!
lost_my_other_one@reddit
I’m scared. I get really sick after vaccines and I’ve heard this one is the worst. I’ve had shingles (when I was 15 somehow) so I fully understand the risk, but I’ll have to plan time off from work bc I’m certain I will be sick for at least 3 days after. COVID gets me for 2 days.
xtalgeek@reddit
If you get ocular shingles it can permanently damage your eyesight. Shingles is very painful, and can in some cases lead to permanent, chronic nerve pain. The current shingles vaccine is highly effective (like 98%) and is expected to confer lifetime immunity. IIRC it is available for 50 and up. The main side effects are a very sore injection site for several days after the two doses administered a couple months apart. Much more tolerable than shingles.
PGHNeil@reddit
I'm due. I had chicken pox as a kid and somehow still got shingles when I was 20.
Ok-External-5750@reddit
I can down with it when I was 46 and was so angry. I considered it “something old people got” and was already pissed that I was getting old. I wasn’t even old enough to get the shot! It took me out for about a week to 10 days. I still have a few weird fatty bumps under the skin on my left thigh. It sucked!
Temporary_Lab_3964@reddit
That’s all well and good unless you get shingles at 43!
School_House_Rock@reddit
I just got an updated shingles vaccine two weeks ago and my arm was fine. I got my first 1 on my 50th birthday, there was no way I am dealing with shingles.
abbys_alibi@reddit
I posted in another sub about this.
I scheduled my Shingles vaccine and then got the flu. They wouldn't let me get the vaccine while I had a fever. 7 days later, I started having this weird, excruciating nerve pain, thumping headache and the horrible fatigue from the flu had not subsided.
Went to the doctor and she listened to my symptoms, gave me a once over and said that she was sure I had Shingles. She said it was rare, but not unheard of, to have Shingles without presenting with the rash or pustules.
I've had 4 full days of the Shingles antiviral medication and the taser like zaps, while not gone, are less frequent. On a scale of 1 to 10, the pain is a 20 and last 3 to 7 seconds. Takes my breath away every single time.
Seriously. Do not procrastinate on this! Get the vaccine!
Somerhild_wode@reddit
So, you really did have the flu? And then immediately got shingles? Or was it shingles the whole time?
abbys_alibi@reddit
I definitely had the classic flu. When the Shingles started, unknown. The nerve pain began 7 days later. Had a bad cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, post nasal drip, muscle aches, loss of appetite and coughing up gunk. At one point I wondered if it was bronchitis, but never in a million years did I expect to finish with Shingles.
Somerhild_wode@reddit
I suppose because you were stressed with all the flu stuff. What an awful thing to happen.
abbys_alibi@reddit
Does stress trigger Shingles? I assumed it was random.
Spirited-Radio-1399@reddit
I have a weird immune system due to having polio as a baby, yes I'm old. I had chicken pox 2 times. I got shingles in 2021 & it was way worse than chicken pox ever was. So I got the shingles shot last year because my doctor told me I could get that horrible, painful disease again. The Shingrix shot made my arm hurt for 4 days afterwards & so did the 2nd booster shot I had to get 2 weeks later. But hopefully I'll never get shingles again.
nooneiknow800@reddit
I think of it like playing Russian Roulette. We all play but would you rather one or three bullets in the gun. Getting vaccinated means less bullets. No guarantee but better odds
nooneiknow800@reddit
My arm was never as sore as after both shingles vaccine. Was like getting punched times ten. But the doctor said , get vaccinated, so I did. Did the same with covid.
2ride4ever@reddit
I've gotten shingles in every stressful situation for years. It's awful. Because I have an active strain, I can't be vaccinated. Don't wait til you get it first time, get your vaccine, especially if you had a light case of the Pox.
bflave@reddit
Umm, I’ve been told by plenty of “researchers” that vaccines definitely do not help.
mr-seamus@reddit
I had them for my 21st birthday. I even had spots around and inside my anal sphincter. Which was nice.
askurselfY@reddit
Don't tell me how to live my life
seattlemh@reddit
I've still never had the chicken pox.
For_Perpetuity@reddit
I had shingles in my 30s. It was a pretty mild case tbh.
Guess what doesn’t mean shit
TheJokersChild@reddit
Now i don’t feel so bad about my doctors not pushing about it, much less bringing it up.
Cami_glitter@reddit
I had shingles. Twice. Both times were hell. Both times were before the shot was FDA approved in 2017.
I only wish the misery in a handful of people.
Off-OffBlogway@reddit
I received my shingles shots and about nine months later actually got shingles. But because of the vaccine, it was very minor and lasted a few days and never returned. I can only imagine what it would have been like w/out the vaccine.
jandad2007@reddit
Scheduled for this Friday (four day weekend for me) along with Covid booster and RSV
JustVisitingHell@reddit
Thought I had some bad bug bites late in the summer. Nope, Shingles a long my waist line so pants rubbed every time I moved. Incredibly painful and it seemed to wear me down in general having them. Still have marks from them that don't seem to be fading.
Jay_Torte@reddit
I got my 2nd shot last Friday. I cleared the weekend assuming I'd be wrecked. Was mostly fine. Extra tired Friday night and all day Saturday, a bit achy and a sore arm. But nothing like the first couple of covid shots. First show about a year ago and had a mild reaction as well.
freakinweasel353@reddit
So, got shingles in my ear about 20 years ago. That’s some pain right there. Luckily I didn’t end up with Bells Palsy which apparently can happen. 5 years ago, my SiL friend got the Shingrix vax and immediately had liver failure, also apparently a potentially rare side effect. So basically I’m scared in both directions. My Dr said don’t stress as shingles is opportunistic and when you go through stressful times and you’re run down, it knows your body is depleted, it strikes.
redluchador@reddit
When I was still a hospital nurse I had a patient with shingles on top of their other troubles. Worst case ever saw. Open sores looked like a lot of her body was raw hamburger. Excruciating pain and hard to treat because it's right on the nerves. The nerve pain from shingles can last for years after the lesions have resolved. Get the vaccine folks
NezzyL1973@reddit
I am making that appointment now! Had shingles 5 years ago and didn't know i could get it again. Thanks for this post !
Renegade604@reddit
Getting mine on Thursday!
PoeJam@reddit
What is up with all these shingles posts lately. Big Pharma has been flooding this sub for the last 2 months.
Dry_Yogurt2458@reddit
Obviously it's not that shingles is more prevalent as we age and therefore more gen x are suffering with it. It's big pharma ! Righty ho!
PoeJam@reddit
13 shingles posts in the last10 weeks.
Thousands of bots roaming on Reddit.
Getting downvoted for even bringing up the idea that we're being overrun with ad-bots targeting this sub.
I don't have to be a nuclear surgeon to smell something fishy.
MowgeeCrone@reddit
It's insidious.
ConflictNo5518@reddit
I had chickenpox in Jr high. Then again in high school. Then again during the summer off at home in my college years. Each subsequent time was much less pox. During one of my Doctor visits later on, I mentioned getting it three times, and the doc said the latter two were probably shingles. But i don't recall the latter two times hurting any more than the first chicken pox experience. Isn't shingles supposed to hurt like a mofo?
Got my shingles vaccines 2yrs ago after a an elderly family friend got hospitalized for it. It also spread to her eyes. And this week an aquaintance sent a group text telling everyone to get their shingles shot. She's had it the past two weeks and it got to her eyes, too. She also said she would go through another knee replacement surgery over having shingles in regards to the pain.
_TxMonkey214_@reddit
Shots. It takes 2. Shingrix works. Don’t be a dummy. Fuck RFK, Jr.
HURTBOTPEGASUS9@reddit
Remember when one kid got it evey parent had us spend infection time with them.
1singhnee@reddit
“Pox parties”
My parents didn’t let me do that, and I got it when I was 16. That sucked so much more.
Hurryeat_Tubman@reddit
I went to a pox party when I was 8. Got a mild case of chickenpox so it was assumed that I got the natural immunity. Flash forward twenty years and I end up with the case from hell after being exposed to my neighbor's chickenpoxed germ goblin. I had lesions EVERYWHERE.
GreyGhost878@reddit
I got it at 15. I had kept my 12 year old brother company when he had it, not knowing the longer you are exposed to a virus the worse the case. It was misery.
BlueMoon5k@reddit
Another that experienced chicken pox at 16. It hits you harder the older you are.
HURTBOTPEGASUS9@reddit
Ouch. Sorry to hear that. New someone who got in their teens, and the pox just conspired with the acne.
HumbleXerxses@reddit
That's because if you get it as an adult it's deadly. There wasn't a vaccine back then.
cuntybunty73@reddit
I've already had chicken pox
So I've got shingles to look forward to when I make it to 50 years old ( if I make it that long)
XeroKillswitch@reddit
Chicken pox is easier the younger you are when you get it. I got it in my early 20s and it was hell.
I was down for about a week. Massive fever. Pain everywhere. I didn’t get itchy, it just burned like hell, everywhere. Full days I don’t even remember because I was so out of it. It was awful.
Competitive-Bat-43@reddit
Like other childhood diseases - Shingles is MUCH MORE PAINFUL than Chicken Pox.
I once had coxsackie (Hand foot and mouth disease) that my amazing daughter gave me. Kids get this all the time - especially in daycare. It is nothing for them.....for adults.......MY HANDS AND FEET FELT LIKE THEY WERE ON FIRE. Literally - we were in the process of moving and I had to ask a friend to run the garage sale for me because I didn't want to infect anyone but I also could not stand or hold things.
Intelligent-Sign2693@reddit
Thanks for the FU, but I just found out last month that I need to get the shingles shot because the vaccine doesn't last a lifetime. I was fortunate not to get chicken pox as a kid. I'm the only person I know in my age group who didn't!
MrsSchnitzelO@reddit
I'm good. Thanks.
OldBanjoFrog@reddit
Insurance won’t cover Shingrix for a few years, and they expect me to pay out of pocket ($200…probably more now) as if money grows on trees
45babycakes@reddit
Got shingles at 45 and had chicken pox at 11.
Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit
I got my Shingles vaccines when I turned 50.
AncientPollution3025@reddit
I knew someone who got shingles on her ear drums which apparently results in a high likelihood of having a major stroke, which she did 3 or 4 or months later and unfortunately never recovered and passed away. She was in her 60’s in good health and it came out of nowhere. Yet I still waited until I was in my late 50’s before getting the vaccine because I’m a dumbass!
Ndmndh1016@reddit
I had it in 2019, on the back of my fucking scalp. Worst month of my life.
sterling018@reddit
I can’t remember if I’d ever had chicken pox but I’ve had blood work done that says I’ve got the antibodies for it.
Furbylovestoscream@reddit
I currently have shingles across my face and in my eye. The pain (stabbing) is excruciating. I thought I had more time to get the vax before this would happen (50).
Impressive-Show-1736@reddit
I felt.slight twinges of electricity on my side. Nothing was there and thought, hmm?? Then it dawned on me. Shingles could be brewing! I have Valtrex that I take for occasional cold sores. I downed 2000mg immediately. Woke up the next day and went to my doctor. I only had one tiny pimple like thing on my side. My doctor confirmed it was shingles and that I did myself a huge favor taking the antiviral the night before. Easiest case of shingles ever!
ZXTINE@reddit
I almost ended up in the hospital with chickenpox back in the day. I got shingles before I was old enough for the vax. Now I have chronic, recurring shingles. It is hell. Get the shot if you can. Don’t be like me!
Magerimoje@reddit
I'm in the same boat. I think it's 6 or 7 times now? I first got shingles in my mid 30s (turn 50 this year).
It's pure misery, although the prescription lidocaine patches do help quite a bit.
Killer-Rabbit-1@reddit
You can get them otc now! They're 4% vs 5% for the rx, but, clinically, the difference in strength is a big nothing burger. I always have a stash of otc lidocaine patches.
Source: am pharmacist
Magerimoje@reddit
I'm poor and cheap, so getting 3 boxes Rx for $12 is much less expensive. I've never tried the OTC ones. Glad to know they work just as well!
ZXTINE@reddit
It’s hard, isn’t it? I’ve had more than a dozen flares. For awhile it was every six weeks. I do love the lidocaine! I don’t find the antiviral seems to help one way or the other. I hope for both our sakes that the virus goes dormant again someday!
Moveyourbloominass@reddit
I've read that stress is a catalyst for many. Do you think your chronic, recurring shingles are due to stress? Or is it something else? So sorry this happens to you. For many years, I had chronic recurring strep and doctors could never give me an answer to why.
ZXTINE@reddit
Thank you for the kind words. I think the virus really did a number on me as a kid. However, the recurrences of the shingles are definitely tied to stress. The worst cases have been when my parents were diagnosed with cancer, during the pandemic, and when other bad things have happened in my life. Unfortunately, my immune system is no longer very good at fighting the virus or even keeping it suppressed, even with two shingles vaccines on board. The recurring strep sounds miserable and I’m sorry you have that!!!
cricket_bacon@reddit
... and while you are at it, might as well get the Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine.
Oakvilleresident@reddit
Yes. So many people die from pneumonia after winding up in hospital for other ailments.
GracieThunders@reddit
Definitely
CincinnatiKid101@reddit
You have to be 60 to get insurance to pay for that one, don’t you?
W_HoHatHenHereHy@reddit
Nope. 50 now
CincinnatiKid101@reddit
Good to know. I’ll look into it.
cricket_bacon@reddit
I got mine last Friday, five years short of 60, insurance covered.
Skin_Floutist@reddit
They just dropped it to 50.
disturbed_ghost@reddit
My proudest moment as a redditor.. I made a similar post last week and got a comment from someone who was swayed and got their shot.
this should be a sticky on this sub.
hazelquarrier_couch@reddit
They're the same from the same virus, but they behave in different ways. Chickenpox doesn't come with nerve pain or lesions that follow the nerve's path throughout the body. It causes an illness with itchy pus filled sores. Then it goes dormant in your nerves. When it's reactivated is when it gets really painful. Get your vaccine!
CaptainQueen1701@reddit
I’m too young. Only the immunocompromised can have it at 50 in the UK.
Beret_of_Poodle@reddit
Awesome! We should forbid it here too
YOUTUBE-BLACKBELT@reddit
Still gotta get mine.
RomanHawk1975@reddit
Had shingles in my early 40’s (I’ll be 50 next month). It absolutely sucks. Still have nerve damage in my back from it. Please get the shot if you can.
bluebirdmorning@reddit
I got my shot days after my 50th birthday. Shingles is no joke.
ItsMRCoffeeToYou@reddit
No. I don’t get flu vax. I never got COVID vax and won’t get shingles vax.
tardawg1014@reddit
I got it at 34, apparently COVID led pretty directly to it being more common in people under 50.
Literally the worst month of my life.
AliceLand@reddit (OP)
I have never had COVID and got shingles at 48. Those who had the chicken pox vaccine and therefore not shedding off the chicken pox virus to the older generation has also been cited as a reason for the increase in shingles at a younger age.
Mysterious_Tax_5613@reddit
I got mine. It’s a nasty thing to get.
Low-Spell-6821@reddit
I got Shingles on my head in my 40s before I could get the shot and it left me with asymmetrical hearing loss and now I wear a hearing aid. Yeah, that shit is awful. I got the vaxx on my 50th bday. Happy bday to me.
billymumfreydownfall@reddit
F-you to those with the chicken pox vaccine? What?
AliceLand@reddit (OP)
They are at a much less chance of getting shingles. It's a tounge in cheek joke. Like "lucky bastards - f-them"
Daykri3@reddit
I thought you were referring to the fact that old people being exposed to all the children run around with chicken pox back in the day acted as a booster to the immune system thus delaying Shingles. The chicken pox vaccine is part of the reason why Shingles is happening to younger people now. Of course, it will also be the reason Shingles eventually becomes a thing of the past.
AliceLand@reddit (OP)
Well, that too
Author_ity_@reddit
No thank you.
I'll take my chances.
DawgnationNative@reddit
10000000000000000x90000000000% true
MhojoRisin@reddit
I just got my first round & I’m happy to report that I had a mildly sore arm and no other side effects. Not saying this to brag or be dismissive of people who have more serious side effects. But, I put it off because of all of the reports I read online about bad side effects. Maybe someone reads this & decides to get it done already because maybe it won’t be so bad.
Obviously dose 2 could kick my ass.
mortyella@reddit
I just got my second shot last week. No side effects except a sore arm. After my first shot the side effect was Shingles! A mild case but it still sucked. Everyone is different and side effects vary but it's still important to get the shot. You do not want Shingles if you can avoid it!
kegsbdry@reddit
Check with your insurance, some allow you to get it at 45 yrs and older. Save yourself the future pain!
KoetheValiant@reddit
Have they changed the shingles vax to mRNA yet?
Known-Interaction474@reddit
Hey everyone, I’m an immunization nurse. If you’ve are under 50 and have had shingles you can be vaccinated because you are at risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about it!
https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/hcp/vaccine-considerations/index.html#:~:text=For%20patients%20who%20previously%20had,acute%20episode%20of%20herpes%20zoster.
IAmAnEediot@reddit
Nah... and seeing these posts so often makes me think these posts are planted.
MowgeeCrone@reddit
It's the regular sponsored cirlcejerk post.
The 30 people on record that have suffered adverse permanent damage from shingles are all known personally by the sponsored commenters, apparently. What a coincidence.
Who needs informed consent when theres an employee making demands on reddit?
Better than shingles, better than shingles, squark, who's a pretty boy. 🦜
Disastrous_Tap_6969@reddit
Username checks out
Sunshine_high@reddit
This makes me think this is the anti vax planted post… 😉
bluestaples@reddit
So... I never had chickenpox, is that something I need to worry about?
Somerhild_wode@reddit
I know it can cause more serious issues in teens and adults. My adopted dad couldn't have kids because he had chickenpox in his teens. One of my coworkers was pregnant and never had chickenpox, and when a kid with pox came into our workplace, she was very upset.
dfin25@reddit
Some people it don't bother too much. My mother had to literally fight me to get to stop clawing at myself because I decided having no skin was better than the pure hell of the itching. I think I was 6 or 7 and I was unspeakably furious when I found out I caught it from my sick cousin because they planned it.
Emotional_Mess261@reddit
I had chicken pox twice, first time just a few, second time I was covered. Had shingles twice, first time I was pregnant and my son was pushed into the rib cage where the shingles were. Had them again a few years ago and my insurance won’t cover until I’m 60
Somerhild_wode@reddit
Omg. 😱
Skylark7@reddit
That's horrible!
Horn_Flyer@reddit
Just got my 2nd shingles shot last Friday. Arm was a little sore for a couple of days. Just had some pretty good fatigue on Saturday. It's worth the shot. I've seen my grandmother (back in the day) and my brother have shingles. No thanks.
ElYodaPagoda@reddit
Chickenpox is downright miserable as an adult...of 18 years. Aside from Covid last year, Chickenpox was the worst illness I've ever experienced. It could've killed me, but let me live.
CorgiGirl2001@reddit
My mom got shingles when she was 45 back in 2013 or so and when she first got it she thought it was poison ivy because my brother had gotten that when he went to a church camp with one of his friends. She had also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia at that time…….
system7777@reddit
Is shingles vax recommended if you never had chicken pox and got the cpox vax and booster?
butterscotch-magic@reddit
Missed the memo. Had shingles around my eye misdiagnosed and was late to the Valtrex party. I’m fine, everything is fine. Hurt like a mofo, though. Worse than childbirth, on par with a frozen shoulder.
yeah_so_no@reddit
I need to get it as soon as I can get my Crohn’s under control 😩
bionic_cmdo@reddit
I had it at 47 so I couldn't get the vaccine. So I had to suffer through it.
dfin25@reddit
Chicken pox was absolute hell and when I heard there was a vaccine I got absolutely fucking livid with my parents and I was instantly on Google to find out when that shit came out. They don't know this but my second thought was, "You guys are so fucking lucky." I was pissed all day lol.
beansoupscratch@reddit
My shingles shot was my 50th birthday present to myself. My second shingles and pneumonia shots were my Christmas presents.
I won't go to a doctor unless I am really sick or hurt but I get my shots on time.
CauliflowerSlight784@reddit
Just got my first shot last Saturday. Body aches for a day and I thought my arm was going to fall off. Still better than shingles. Get your shot!!
Luckygecko1@reddit
I never had chickenpox. So, I should be shingles free. I did take the chicken pox vaccine as an adult to keep me from getting chickenpox since I had not had it.
MuthaPlucka@reddit
You need to get the vaccine ASAP. How do you not know this???
https://healthclinics.superdrug.com/chickenpox-in-adults/
VariousTiger6098@reddit
Not-so-fun fact, you can still get shingles if you have had the chickenpox vaccine. A small percentage of people who get the chickenpox vaccine still get shingles. My 34 year old coworker got shingles last year, he had the chickenpox vaccine. It was brutal.
Costalot2lookcheap@reddit
Thanks for sharing that. I've always wondered if I was really supposed to get Shingrx or not!
Helenesdottir@reddit
Which is why we also get the shingles vaccine. That and the chicken pox vaccine didn't exist when we were kids.
Plenty-Sector-1734@reddit
That damn shot (both times) got me so sick. Clearly something in it does not agree with me. But… shingles doesn’t care clearly.
SuccessfulSense8948@reddit
Just recently hot my shingles vax . Not much negative side effects reaction at all. Feeling lucky
Just-The-Facts-411@reddit
I dunno. I had chicken pox as a kid and it was awful. Got shingles in my early 20s, wasn't fun but not as bad as other things. Then got the chicken pox vaccine a few years later when going to grad school because no-one kept my childhood records and the doctor had long passed. I'd think I'd be immune but a friend said she got shingles even though she had the shingles shot. Eeeek.
bdubz74@reddit
I got shingles earlier this year, a week before I turned 50 and was eligible for the shot. It wasn’t that bad. Actually thought it was just an allergic reaction to a medicine I started taking.
Iwantaschmoo@reddit
I always heard that the less severe your chicken pox was the more likely you were to get shingles. Since my CP consisted of a few bumps and a brief fever I lived in fear of shingles and when my MD asked if I wanted it I said shoot me up. I'm now convinced that is an old wives tail but still glad I'm vaccinated.
RvCampers@reddit
No thank you keep the shot
Disastrous_Tap_6969@reddit
"No thanks, my army is tough, it doesn't need to know how to locate, identify and fight this particular enemy"
Dude, my dad lives with 24/7 pain all over his body from long COVID. He was near death. I do hope you get lucky in whatever shots you don't take.
I know you're going to want to talk back at this, but save your time, I'm unfollowing this thread so I will never see it
RvCampers@reddit
You do you baby boo not gonna affect my life any
RvCampers@reddit
Don’t need your story either and yet here you are
Prestigious-Box-6492@reddit
Had both, pic and shingles, now got the vaccine. Got my first shingles outbreak at 40. But luckily, was on pain meds from the VA, so just was more annoyed and looked like a leper. The pox however still remember that hell.
nakedreader_ga@reddit
I was too young to remember having chicken pox, but I totally remember getting shingles a few years ago. 0/10
out_day475@reddit
I got mine. I’m afraid of that shit. No way I want shingles
NegScenePts@reddit
Lol anti vaxxers.
Honeybee71@reddit
Can you get one if you’ve already had shingles?
BehBeh11@reddit
I’ve had shingles twice and got the vaccine 6 months after 2nd bout.
AliceLand@reddit (OP)
Yes - I begged for mine at 48 as I had shingles after two surgeries and was looking at another. I know people my age that have had shingles multiple times.
Nicholiason@reddit
I had shingles before I was even eligible for the shot. My mom, brother, and uncle all had it before 40 as well. It sucks so bad.
Friendly_Feature_606@reddit
I got chicken pox my senior year of high school and shingles at 50, about two weeks after getting the pneumonia shot. I can't prove it was the cause, but seems a little sus to me.
CincinnatiKid101@reddit
The minute my husband got shingles I made my vaccine appointment. My father said shingles was the worst pain he’s ever felt.
Equivalent_Yogurt_58@reddit
I remember having chicken pox as a kid.
I don’t remember how bad it was though. Got my shingles shot as soon as I could.
GladosPrime@reddit
I will yield no comment, as basement-dwellers have PhD’s in microbiology nowadays.
JenMartini@reddit
Got the chicken pox vaccine in my 30’s since I’d never had it, still got shingles vaccines.
porkchopespresso@reddit
r/shinglesvaccine