A dear friend of mine just contracted the shingles virus, and she, like everyone else that I’ve talked to that has had it, describes the pain as excruciating. The side effects can be wicked, because the pain can last even after the blisters have gone away. It can cause blindness and neurological problems like inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), facial paralysis, or hearing and balance problems. It’s horrible!
There is a new, highly effective shingles vaccine available now; it is given in two doses. Even if you have had an earlier version of the shingles vaccine (one dose) I highly recommend that you talk to your doctor about the new vaccine. You’ll be glad you did!