I agree. Time is critical in recognizing the symptoms and getting treatment. The first time I got shingles, I went to the doctor within 5 hours. He said if I'd waited, it would have been severe and I would have had a lot of pain and damage. I kept Valtrex on hand and treated myself immediately for the second outbreak.

Question. Shingles shots seem to be offered at a lot of places, including drugstores? Does the cost vary or it it pretty consistent?

The county health clinic in Wildwood charges $175

Anyone who has ever had chicken pox is at risk of developing shingles. It is caused by the herpes zoster virus that remains dormant in the body until the immune system is weakened. It also causes what is commonly called a cold sore. Take 1000-2000mg of L-Lysine/day as preventative, more at the first sign of tingling/eminent outbreak. Works wonders. Oh, and give up that morning grapefruit. It is full of arginine that depletes your body of lysine.
Lysine has also been found to enhance your ability to absorb calcium into born.

"Although shingles isn't a life-threatening illness, it can sometimes result in a debilitating complication called postherpetic neuralgia which causes nerve pain that lasts for months or even years. Fortunately, there is natural help for shingles, whatever the cause of the reactivation. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center web site, lysine can be used to treat herpes zoster lesions. Lysine, also called L-lysine, is an essential amino acid that can speed recovery time from shingles and reduce the chance of recurrent breakouts of the herpes infections, the University of Maryland site states."

Learn more: Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Can Cause Shingles Outbreak

I have had chicken pox, shingles and herpetic keratitis in both eyes. Once the herpes virus is in your system it is next to impossible for it to completely disappear. The trick is to keep it dormant. I once went 20 years before having another outbreak.
Basically I agree with all the posts that have been stated on this forum. However, I do have some additional advice. Stress and a weakened immune system can bring out the virus but so can excessive amounts of sun. I know that for a fact as I had a massive outbreak in both eyes in 1997 because I spent too much time on the beach. Another good piece of wisdom I can impart is that at the first onset of a flareup. go see a doctor and go on a combination of Valtrex and either Viroptic drops or Zirgan ointment.
Because I waited too long, I have permanent scarring on my right cornea.
Here is what I do know to try and minimize the chances of an outbreak: (1) Take 1000 mg of L-Lysine every morning on an empty stomach as it seems to be more effective that way. (2) Take 1000 mg of Valtrex every night before going to bed since your immune system is most compromised when you sleep. The regular Valtrex works better for me than the generic version. The down side is it's very expensive. Fortunately, my former employer has provided us with a very good prescription program. I realize my case is extreme and the Valtrex on a regular basis may not be needed for most people.
Hope this helps!

Gary


Gary

Dr. Vivian Woodard M.D. ( board certified Internal Medicine )
918 Rolling Acres Rd. @ US 441.
Directly BEHIND Bank of America.

SHOT is $245...or Less..............
......................MIGHT be covered by Medicare if you are 65 or over.
...PLUS ...Dr Visit $$ is VARIABLE. (MY ins. co-pay was $15.(Blue Cross PPO))
Emmanuel Christian Health Center <<<<< CLICK THERE<<<<<.

PRICES VARY by your ability to pay, IF not insured.

She is not my regular Doctor... BUT ..I REALLY like her.
...Very nice lady. Checks you over BETTER than my reg Doc.

( MY reg DR's office staff never got around to
calling back as to when Shingles shots would be available..
...after 4 times asking ..and a year... I went to DR. Woodard.)