Shingles

[Annie W]

Does anyone know if you can get shingles more than once? I had it as an adult two years ago. I would be interested to find out.

[yogi-bear]

Scroll down to 'prognosis' on link, Annie :0)

http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shingles

[rowanwitch]

yes once the pathway is active it can recur usually at times of stress its like any other herpes infection in that respect... a nurse friend used to get terrible bouts during exams surprised she qualified

[murraymints]

SQAD ....COME BACK.......

[alexanderd]

I had it years ago and still get the occasional itch but I dont think you can get the real thing more than once

[yogi-bear]

This might help also......

http://uk.answers.yah...20060925072703AAeXJA7

Dr Yogi MD of BS

:0)

[mike11111]

I had shingles 25 years ago and it was the most appallingly debilitating illness. I began to feel very unwell a few days before the spots showed around my middle Unfortunately there is no quick fix - it has to run its course, which in my case was a fortnight before I began to feel better. Two years later I began to feel unwell again and noticed a row of spots on my shoulder but fortunately they disappeared after a couple of days before I got to the doctor and no recurrence since. I feel for those unfortunate enough to suffer from it - I would rather have a tooth out without anaesthetic. Incidentally, the belief that if you have chicken pox as a child you will not catch shingles as an adult is a myth, as I can testify.

[rowanwitch]

you actually have to have chicken pox at some point or you won't have the dormant virus as far as I am aware..

[lauraking72]

A friend of mine had shingles recently and she was told she will be more susceptible to bouts of it again especially if she stressed or ill!! you have to go to the doctors within a couple of days coz any treatment is only effective if caught early

[LoftyLottie]

Definitely yes.

You won't get shingles if you have never had chicken pox.

[LoftyLottie]

I have had three bouts of shingles. Yes, it is true that if you have had it once it is quite likely to happen again and it does happen if you are 'run down' and below par.