[o_m]

I got it last year, as a man in my early 30s. My doctor didn't believe me but his eyes widened as I showed him the rash. It took him one second to say that is shingles, with no doubt. If you get it you have to get to the doctor ASAP to get the antiviral medicine before it spreads. It is the most painful thing I have gone through.

I'm pretty sure I got is because of stress. I quit my job, sold my home and all my stuff to travel for a year. I was awarded shingles the week after handing in my resignation.

[baq]

I’ve self medicated with OTC acyclovir before getting a stronger prescription and it worked quite well. The trick was to diagnose quickly, the tell was the itching wouldn’t stop even while scratching.

Pro tip: keep some cold sore oral medicine at hand.