there is a vaccine to help prevent shingles?
When I went for my yearly checkup, blood work, etc. -- the same time I found out I was anemic -- my pcp strongly suggested I get the Shingles Vaccine. He said it was now recommended for anyone over 50. He also said that with all of the tests and procedures I've had in the last year, my body's immune system was probably down.
The nurse told me to be sure that I ask the pharmacy if they give the shots also. The shingles vacine is a live virus. It ships to the pharmacy frozen and must stay frozen until ready to use. So I went to a different pharmacy because my usual one did not give shots. They could not tell me what the price was but told me they would call when it came in. They never called and I forgot and forgot and forgot (since the end of July).
Well, I called a couple of times to see if it was in, but was told the girl giving the shot was not in but would be the next day. I was told they would call me. Finally, today I received the call. So after school I went to get the vaccine. I am very thankful that my insurance covered the complete cost of the vaccine. (Normally around $200.) But, if you develop shingles--you will have to pay for a doctor's visit and a prescription. And be in a lot of pain. The pharmacist told me not to be around newborns or people with cancer for a few days or I could give them Chicken Pox.
Fast forward to tonight sitting on the couch and being lazy. I was reading blogs and came across this post by Patti writing about contracting shingles at the age of 70. After I looked a second time I notice she was also from Arkansas
My husband had a case of shingles last year and a friend of mine developed shingles this past month. They both said it is very painful.
I guess the whole purpose of this post is to make people aware of the vaccine that is out there to help ward off shingles. I think one of the causes of shingles is stress. Most of us who are still working outside the home feel stress at times in our careers. We also stress over our family problems, our children, finances and a number of other issues.
So if you are over 50, I urge you, as Patti did in her post, to ask your physician about the shingles vaccine.
Happy snipping, stitching, and quilting.
A very good public service announcement. Especially since once you get shingles, you're prone to it. It sure is no fun to get them. Can your husband get the vaccine to prevent future cases of shingles, or is it too late, since he's already had them? Glad you're protected from them now! :)
ReplyDeleteOnce you have chicken pox, the virus lies dormant in our bodies. If you are exposed to chicken pox, shingles can pop up. Friend was around her grandson who had chicken pox. She came down with shingles not long after.
ReplyDeleteBeckie in Brentwood, TN
Yes, that is a good public service announcement. My brother had to have an epidural steroid injection in his spine for severe back pain and THAT triggered shingles. He was not a happy camper. Really, can't we just get wise as we get older, and not fall apart?
ReplyDeleteYes I knew about the vaccine and plan to receive it. In July of 2010 I had a terrible case of shingles on my leg and I can say the pain was extremely bad as well as having those blisters down the inside length of my leg was pretty awful.
ReplyDeleteI hope that everyone that reads this post takes it seriously. I had Shingles 3 yrs ago when I was only 45. It was no fun!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I both had ours last year - I'm so glad we did! blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteIf you have an auto-immune disease though please consult your doctor I have an auto-immune disease and my doctor told me to never get the shot for shingles as if you have a bad immune system it can make you very sick to get the shot. He also told me that it is a very small percentage of people who get shingles.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying don't get it - just consult your doctor before doing so to make sure it is ok for you to do it.
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/