Shingles

[Blaze]

I had the second Shingrix jab yesterday afternoon and this morning I woke up groggy and had to lie down this afternoon ! I'd forgotten tiredness was a side effect. As my Pilates and circuit training classes start again next week, I wanted to get the jab done well beforehand. My arm aches a little but nothing to stop me doing anything.

[Wilbro]

Exactly like my experience Blaze.

[demi]

+1

[rabbit]

Following my shingles vaccination I was sleepy after lunch. But then I was sleepy before the vaccination

[Veem]

Well done all you folk who are making yourself safe. I wish I had known to get vaccinated before getting the real thing last summer. No matter what the after effects of the vaccine are, it's as nothing compared to the excruciating pain of the real thing.

[Blaze]

It was your horrible experience, Veem, that gave me the kick up the backside to do it. I hope the symptoms have gone and you're back to your old self. Fingers crossed that you can be vaccinated when the time comes.

In hindsight, my response to your original posting was that you should have called SOS Médecins" or 15, explained your symptoms and situation and asked for an "avis médicale". I think the word "zona" and the shooting pains would have triggered quicker results than waiting for your MT. That said, I'm glad you were able to see a doctor quickly.
Just a reminder, shingles is only infectious by direct contact. People generally contract it because they have already had chicken pox (as Pathca has already explained).

In my work as a first aider, we don't have a doctor present except for big events. We often see people complaining of a "malaise" which after various checks may prompt us to ring 15 and ask for an avis médical. They are always helpful and if they think it's reasonably urgent, will either ask you to get yourself to the hospital, or if necessary they will send the SAMU or the Pompiers.

Never be afraid of ringing for medical advice. Easy for me to say because I've often done it for others and I'm an ambulance driver - it's familiar ground. But for people who live in areas where waiting times to see GPs is long, it's the best/quickest way to get some attention. In Saint-Malo and possibly other places, no-one is allowed to go directly to the Urgences, they have to phone first. This was brought in to try to relieve the pressure on the Urgences.
Most of us are oldies on this forum. If you feel your knowledge of French isn't up to ringing (speaking on the phone can be difficult sometimes), get someone to help you.

[exile]

Never be afraid of ringing for medical advice. Easy for me to say because I've often done it for others and I'm an ambulance driver - it's familiar ground. But for people who live in areas where waiting times to see GPs is long, it's the best/quickest way to get some attention. In Saint-Malo and possibly other places, no-one is allowed to go directly to the Urgences, they have to phone first. This was brought in to try to relieve the pressure on the Urgences.
Most of us are oldies on this forum. If you feel your knowledge of French isn't up to ringing (speaking on the phone can be difficult sometimes), get someone to help you.

Sound advice Blaze. I would add that if under stress you feel your French is not up to a medical discussion and if there is no one immediately around who can help, ring 112. They will generally have someone available who can speak English.