Should I get the shingles vaccine? I'm curious about the possibility of recurrence.

Around my mid-30s, I had shingles that affected my ear.

I would like to share the foods I am consuming to boost immunity after recovery and ask about some questions I have.

 

First, let me tell you what shingles is.

 

Shingles is a disease that occurs when individuals who were infected with the chickenpox virus during childhood have the dormant varicella-zoster virus in their bodies that moves along the nerves and remains in the nerve ganglia. When the body's immunity weakens, the virus travels back down the nerves to the skin, causing inflammation there, or in severe cases, the inflammation can spread throughout the body.

 

The main symptom is a rash, which is the most prominent feature.

There may be fatigue, fever, and headache.

 

 

I am also eating foods that are good for boosting immunity to prevent the recurrence of shingles.

 

👍Yogurt

Consistently consuming fermented foods such as yogurt and kimchi helps maintain the balance of gut microbiota and also aids in boosting immunity. In particular, the probiotics found in yogurt are said to suppress the activity of the shingles virus, according to some research findings.

I soak oats and eat them together.

 

Foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C

 

For the prevention of shingles, foods rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C are helpful. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and mangoes, which are yellow and orange in color, contain large amounts of beta-carotene. Foods rich in vitamin C include kiwis, bell peppers, and broccoli. I drink CCA juice with carrots every day.

 

👍Protein-rich foods

 

 

Adequate protein intake plays an important role in boosting immunity. Eggs, fish, lean meat, and legumes are good sources of protein.

I try to boost my immunity by eating chicken breast with various vegetables in a salad every day.

 

However, despite these efforts, I feel my immune system weakening as I reach my 40s. Sometimes I suddenly develop unexplained allergic rashes, and I also experience severe fatigue. I'm worried whether it's an allergic rash or a prodromal symptom of shingles.

 

 

Shingles is a condition that can recur when immunity drops. In the past, before the shingles appeared, I also experienced tinnitus and severe twitching under my eyes. Although I no longer have such symptoms now due to reduced stress, I regret not getting vaccinated earlier because I trusted my young age, so I started looking into vaccinations.

 

	Live vaccine	Singrix
Number of vaccinations	1st time	2 times
Retention period	5 years	More than 10 years
Prevention rate	51.4%	97.4%
Cost	100,000 to 180,000 won	400,000 to 500,000 won

 

Considering the duration and prevention rate, Singrix, a four-valent vaccine, seems to be a good choice, but the cost can be a burden.

 

My question is, I have had shingles before, but I have never received a vaccination for it.

 

Should I get the shingles vaccination as a preventive measure in advance?

 

✔️ I heard that even if you get the shingles vaccine, it can still recur.

I'm curious if there are any people who have still contracted the illness after vaccination.