Has anyone had shingles?
Was diagnosed with shingles on Monday. I'm so very worried that it will go to my eyes since I must have had it for a few days before I was diagnosed. In that time I could have touched my eye with possible shingles virus. I googled shingles eye. Take my word for it do no do that.
If anyone has had it please let me know. I'm now using hospital scrub soap before I touch my eyes.
, uff, I hear how anxious you feel. Shingles is a nasty virus and I've also heard awful things about eye shingles. I'm glad you are being extra cautious with your eyes while dealing with shingles. Using hospital-grade soap for hand washing sounds like a very good idea! We don't have any specific articles about ocular shingles, but I hope others in the community who may have dealt with shingles (ocular or not!) will stop by to share with you. How are you doing today? Has the infection stayed out of your eyes thus far? Please keep us posted on how you are managing! Fingers crossed 🤞that it clears up without affecting your eyes! Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (ChronicDryEye.net team) I don't have the horrific pain that I had earlier but I'm still not 100%. I have the rash and it will take it's time to disappear. Meanwhile I panic every time one of my eyes feels off but so far so good. This is a vile disease so please get the vaccine if you are able. Thank you for thinking of me.
, I'm glad the pain is easing for you and that your eyes have remained unaffected! Shingles is a horrific disease, particularly in the way it can linger for so long depending on the case. I am not eligible for the vaccine yet, but I've been after my dad to get his! I think he did... I need to follow up! I hope each day you feel a little better than the day before. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (ChronicDryEye.net team)
Shingles is an infection from the virus already in your body after having chicken pox. It is usually on only one side of the body and it follows nerve roots. It is only contagious to people who have not had chicken pox and so they will get chicken pox, not shingles. Later on they will be able to get shingles. Medically, we do not allow anyone who has not had chicken pox to care for a patient and no pregnant women as it has bad side effects for a fetus if the mom gets the virus. The pain can be lingering unfortunately. Once all your lesions are dried up, you are no longer contagious to anyone. Eye involvement is rare, but can be serious. And immunosuppressed people can get the vaccine if your doctor thinks it will be helpful. I hope all this makes sense.
Tracy
