How I Got Shingles and How I’m Coping with It

Life has a way of catching you off guard, and that’s exactly what happened to me recently. After a lovely week-long holiday, I returned home feeling refreshed and ready to dive back into my usual routine. But the very next day, I developed a sore throat and fever with chills. I brushed it off as a viral fever, thinking it was nothing a day of rest and medication couldn’t fix.

However, things took a turn for the worse. Alongside severe pain in my head and eyes, I found myself battling relentless fatigue. I visited the doctor, got a day’s medical leave, and returned to work the following day, convinced I was well enough. That illusion of recovery didn’t last long.

The Start of the Mystery Symptoms At work, I noticed I would start sweating profusely whenever I stood for too long. Headaches lingered, and by nightfall, I felt an odd tingling and burning sensation on my upper lip. I dismissed it at first, hoping it was just a passing irritation. The next morning, I woke up to find blisters and a rash. My heart sank. A quick doctor’s visit confirmed it—**I had shingles**. What Is Shingles, and How Did I Get It? Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. If you’ve had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body and can reactivate later in life, especially during periods of stress or a weakened immune system. In my case, the combination of post-holiday fatigue, a presumed viral infection, and jumping straight back into a hectic work schedule likely triggered it. The Treatment Plan The doctor prescribed a seven-day course of antiviral medications, including aciclovir tablets and cream to treat the rashes. He also recommended Flavettes to support nerve recovery. Armed with these prescriptions, I began my fight against shingles. Coping with Shingles Dealing with shingles has been both physically and emotionally taxing. Here’s how I’ve been managing: 1. Managing Pain and Discomfort The burning pain from the rashes was unbearable at times, but applying the aciclovir cream helped ease it. I also used cool compresses to reduce irritation. 2. Masking Up The rash on my upper lip made me feel self-conscious. Makeup was out of the question, as it couldn’t cover the redness and might worsen the irritation. Instead, I relied on a face mask when I needed to go out, which served both aesthetic purposes and helped prevent any risk of spreading the virus. 3. Rest and Hydration I’ve made it a point to prioritise rest and drink plenty of fluids. Shingles can sap your energy, so taking things slow has been crucial. 4. Staying Informed Reading about shingles has given me some peace of mind. Knowing that the rash typically starts improving by the eighth day has been a source of hope. What I’ve Learned This experience has been a reminder to listen to my body. Stress and overexertion can have serious consequences, even if you think you’re handling everything just fine. As I continue my recovery, I’ve resolved to pace myself better and not ignore signs of fatigue. Shingles might have slowed me down, but it’s also taught me to prioritise self-care. If you’ve had chickenpox before, remember that shingles can happen to anyone. Be mindful of your health, especially during stressful periods, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if something feels off. Here’s hoping for a full recovery and a return to feeling like myself again! Have you or someone you know dealt with shingles? Share your experience in the comments—I’d love to hear how you coped!