andyc1986
08-05-2005, 11:09 PM
Monday (four days ago) I noticed a small rash with blisters characteristic of mild shingles. I discounted it as an allergic reaction until yesterday when I researched the blisters and went to my Student Health Center on campus where the nurse practitioner diagnosed the rash as shingles and perscribed acyclovir.
When I researched shingles I became alarmed to learn that it is most common in people over 60 and with patients with immunodeficiencies, such as HIV. **I am only 19 years old,** so it seemed as though my case was unusual (although the nurse said that I was the second student case of shingles she saw that day.)
Recently (mid-July, it is now August 5th) I suffered a major sunburn on my trunk area. It was my first sunburn ever and it was pretty severe. Also, since last Thursday I have been under a LOT of stress, dealing primarily with a relationship break up, during which I was sleep deprived, averaging 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night, and didn't eat much, eating only a few bites a day. This was because of stress. I also know that sunburn and stress can be linked to a herpes-zoster outbreak.
But the fact that shingles is most common in the elderly and in those with compromised immune systems alarms me. I had unprotected sex with back in February, only with someone who told me she was not infected with HIV. Other than shingles, I have had no symptoms that would suggest HIV infection. This has also been my only shingles outbreak.
Considering the sunburn and emotional stress I have been through immediately before my outbreak, does it sound like I have anything to be REALLY worried about?
When I researched shingles I became alarmed to learn that it is most common in people over 60 and with patients with immunodeficiencies, such as HIV. **I am only 19 years old,** so it seemed as though my case was unusual (although the nurse said that I was the second student case of shingles she saw that day.)
Recently (mid-July, it is now August 5th) I suffered a major sunburn on my trunk area. It was my first sunburn ever and it was pretty severe. Also, since last Thursday I have been under a LOT of stress, dealing primarily with a relationship break up, during which I was sleep deprived, averaging 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night, and didn't eat much, eating only a few bites a day. This was because of stress. I also know that sunburn and stress can be linked to a herpes-zoster outbreak.
But the fact that shingles is most common in the elderly and in those with compromised immune systems alarms me. I had unprotected sex with back in February, only with someone who told me she was not infected with HIV. Other than shingles, I have had no symptoms that would suggest HIV infection. This has also been my only shingles outbreak.
Considering the sunburn and emotional stress I have been through immediately before my outbreak, does it sound like I have anything to be REALLY worried about?
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andyc1986
08-05-2005, 11:16 PM
Monday (four days ago) I noticed a small rash with blisters characteristic of mild shingles. I discounted it as an allergic reaction until yesterday when I researched the blisters and went to my Student Health Center on campus where the nurse practitioner diagnosed the rash as shingles and perscribed acyclovir.
When I researched shingles I became alarmed to learn that it is most common in people over 60 and with patients with immunodeficiencies, such as HIV. **I am only 19 years old,** so it seemed as though my case was unusual (although the nurse said that I was the second student case of shingles she saw that day.)
Recently (mid-July, it is now August 5th) I suffered a major sunburn on my trunk area. It was my first sunburn ever and it was pretty severe. Also, since last Thursday I have been under a LOT of stress, dealing primarily with a relationship break up, during which I was sleep deprived, averaging 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night, and didn't eat much, eating only a few bites a day. This was because of stress. I also know that sunburn and stress can be linked to a herpes-zoster outbreak.
But the fact that shingles is most common in the elderly and in those with compromised immune systems alarms me. I had unprotected sex with back in February, only with someone who told me she was not infected with HIV. Other than shingles, I have had no symptoms that would suggest HIV infection. This has also been my only shingles outbreak.
Considering the sunburn and emotional stress I have been through immediately before my outbreak, does it sound like I have anything to be REALLY worried about?
When I researched shingles I became alarmed to learn that it is most common in people over 60 and with patients with immunodeficiencies, such as HIV. **I am only 19 years old,** so it seemed as though my case was unusual (although the nurse said that I was the second student case of shingles she saw that day.)
Recently (mid-July, it is now August 5th) I suffered a major sunburn on my trunk area. It was my first sunburn ever and it was pretty severe. Also, since last Thursday I have been under a LOT of stress, dealing primarily with a relationship break up, during which I was sleep deprived, averaging 2 to 3 hours of sleep a night, and didn't eat much, eating only a few bites a day. This was because of stress. I also know that sunburn and stress can be linked to a herpes-zoster outbreak.
But the fact that shingles is most common in the elderly and in those with compromised immune systems alarms me. I had unprotected sex with back in February, only with someone who told me she was not infected with HIV. Other than shingles, I have had no symptoms that would suggest HIV infection. This has also been my only shingles outbreak.
Considering the sunburn and emotional stress I have been through immediately before my outbreak, does it sound like I have anything to be REALLY worried about?
rubindj
08-05-2005, 11:23 PM
If you would feel better, I would suggest you go back and get an STD workup.
That being said, although shingles is most common in ppl over 60, it is still common in younger people. It seems to be aggravated by significant sun exposure -- espicially burns, and the additional stress, as well as a poor diet at school, can further erode your immune system. Like your NP, it doesn't sound like you have much to worry about.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to have an STD workup given your history of unprotected sex, even if you have no symptomology. There are many STD's other than HIV, and many don't have obvious symptom's in men, but can be a terrible problem for women. As a guy, I recommend you stay away from unprotected sex unless your in a longer term relationship. There's just too much to worry about otherwise (pregnancy, etc).
That being said, although shingles is most common in ppl over 60, it is still common in younger people. It seems to be aggravated by significant sun exposure -- espicially burns, and the additional stress, as well as a poor diet at school, can further erode your immune system. Like your NP, it doesn't sound like you have much to worry about.
It certainly wouldn't hurt to have an STD workup given your history of unprotected sex, even if you have no symptomology. There are many STD's other than HIV, and many don't have obvious symptom's in men, but can be a terrible problem for women. As a guy, I recommend you stay away from unprotected sex unless your in a longer term relationship. There's just too much to worry about otherwise (pregnancy, etc).
WorriedTeenager
08-06-2005, 03:17 AM
You shouldn't be worried at all. I had shingles when I was 15! Its not all that common but its not as rare as you are making it out as.
shugarush
08-08-2005, 03:35 PM
Anyone who has had the chickenpox can get shingles later on in life. Shingles is not a sign of a new infection, it is just a resurgence of the same virus (herpes zoster) that gave you chickenpox as a child. See, it never left your body. It's as if it just goes to sleep in your system, and it "wakes up" when your immune system is compromised, very common in high stress periods.
I don't think you really have anything to be worried about.
I don't think you really have anything to be worried about.
Adara
08-08-2005, 06:46 PM
I've had shingles twice in my life now.. once as a child (years after the chicken pox) and now I apparently have it on my buttox.
clairelojo
08-09-2005, 02:44 PM
I had shingles at 18 and it was brought on by stress - I had just finished my A'levels and not sure about which university to go to, with the pressure of family expecting me to make a decision about the rest of my life, well, it's stressful!
I've not had it since (I'm now 27) and I don't have HIV.
As a note though, I also have only ever had unprotected sex with my husband now I'm married - just for your general well being I don't think it's wise to have unprotected sex.
I've not had it since (I'm now 27) and I don't have HIV.
As a note though, I also have only ever had unprotected sex with my husband now I'm married - just for your general well being I don't think it's wise to have unprotected sex.
RachelGrace
08-09-2005, 10:36 PM
You don't need to be worried at all. I had shingles in third grade, and again in eighth. I'm told my case is unusual, but it isn't anything bad. Just don't scratch it, and put on anti itch cream, and you should have little to no scarring. (I had some because I scratched it a lot)
Trust me, it isn't anything to be worried about. Shingles can break out when the immune system is compromised, that's why it's more common in people over 60 and people with HIV/AIDS. But stress can play an important role too. Because of your stress and the little amount of sleep you were getting, your immune system was operating on very little as it tried to fight off daily infections. That can lead to an opening for herpes zoster, shingles, to develop. As for the sunburn, from what you've said it was pretty severe. Your immune system was probably putting a lot of effort in to healing that. Add the stress, little amount of sleep, and the bad sunburn together, and you've definately got an opening for shingles to occur. The only time to be concerned is if it starts occuring on your face. That is extremely rare, however, so you don't need to be worried about that at all.
While you have shingles, it is best to stay away from people who have not have chicken pox and/or have compromised immune systems. (people with HIV/AIDS, people on cancer treatments, etc.) Its duration is about the same length of time as chicken pox.
Hope you get better soon! :)
~Rachel
Trust me, it isn't anything to be worried about. Shingles can break out when the immune system is compromised, that's why it's more common in people over 60 and people with HIV/AIDS. But stress can play an important role too. Because of your stress and the little amount of sleep you were getting, your immune system was operating on very little as it tried to fight off daily infections. That can lead to an opening for herpes zoster, shingles, to develop. As for the sunburn, from what you've said it was pretty severe. Your immune system was probably putting a lot of effort in to healing that. Add the stress, little amount of sleep, and the bad sunburn together, and you've definately got an opening for shingles to occur. The only time to be concerned is if it starts occuring on your face. That is extremely rare, however, so you don't need to be worried about that at all.
While you have shingles, it is best to stay away from people who have not have chicken pox and/or have compromised immune systems. (people with HIV/AIDS, people on cancer treatments, etc.) Its duration is about the same length of time as chicken pox.
Hope you get better soon! :)
~Rachel
kirafaye
08-11-2005, 09:24 AM
Anyone can get chingles if they have had chicken pox...I got it at like 12 and on the face as well....