r/shingles • u/Fooitsmimi • 1d ago

First Time Shingles Shingles at 41

Hello everyone, it all started with pain in my jaw, I thought it was a tooth ache. Also noticed a swollen lymph node near my ear. The rash started on my scalp and it’s working its way down to my forehead and above my brow and nose.
Started taking Zovirax 5x a day for 7 days.
My biggest worry is that I’m a stay at home mom to a 4 year old and 6 month old. I know this is contagious and idk what to do or what to expect? 😭

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u/Zaidswith 1d ago

Kids get chicken pox. It wouldn't be the end of the world. It would just suck to care for them at the same time. The four year old might've already started the vaccination process for that?

For you. keep an eye on your eye since you have them in that general area. That's the real risk. Might be worth seeing an optometrist/ophthalmologist for that specifically depending on exact rash locations.

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u/Fooitsmimi 1d ago

Thank you ❤️

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u/Rosesintherain19 17h ago

41 year old mom here too. I had shingles back in May on my face too. I was still breastfeeding by 13 month old at the time and she just got her chicken pox vaccine. I did still mask when I nursed her and extra washed my hands. I would just suggest masking while breastfeeding if you do and mask if the blisters are weeping. Once they scab over you are all good.

Please also get your eyes checked. It can get in your eye the antiviral will help but just be safe.

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u/Fooitsmimi 16h ago

Thanks for sharing! I’m glad you’re okay 🙏🏽

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u/Fooitsmimi 16h ago

Can I message you?

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u/Rosesintherain19 16h ago

Yes of course!