October 09, 2019, 01:34 AM
sigalertDid I have chicken pox (shingles related)
Recent threads on the shingles vaccine have me wondering. I was born 1 of 4 in the 70’s. My mom couldn’t remember if I ever had the Chicken Pox. I don’t have any scars.
I’m wondering if I can get a test to find out. That way I can rule out getting the vaccine, right?
October 09, 2019, 02:10 AM
synthplayerIf you never had the chicken pox, you won't need the vaccine. I did have them when I was 4 years old, so I went ahead and had the shingles vaccine. My mother and my uncle both got a case of the shingles, and it was horrible for them. I mean, just horrible.
October 09, 2019, 03:55 AM
irreverentYes, an ELISA will show if you have antibodies. If you haven’t had chicken pox, and you’re an adult, (clearly) I’d consider getting the chicken pox vaccine, or at least talking to your doc about it.
It can render adults sterile, and the virus hangs out forever, iirc, in the trigeminal nerve.
October 11, 2019, 04:26 PM
GambitI had chicken pox as a kid and I had the older shingles vaccine about two years ago. I came down with shingles recently and was prescribed Valtrex. My episode wasn't as bad as many.
October 11, 2019, 04:27 PM
FishOnThe new Shingrix vaccine is 90% effective. I had my second (of two) shots last week. I had a slightly sore arm for a day. No big deal. Trust me, you do NOT want shingles. Get the vaccine.