I got my vaccine on a Friday, felt headachy and rundown all weekend. By Tuesday I was getting an outbreak. I hadn't had one in a pretty long time and I take acyclovir when I do. Coincidence or a side effect of the vaccine?
Can the shingles vaccine cause a genital herpes outbreak?
Question posted by artsyrsc on 13 Nov 2014
Last updated on 25 January 2024
70 Answers Page 4
I received the booster yesterday, migraine last night, genital herpes this morning, and red spots around injection site. I am tired, cold and face feels hot. The first shot I only got the red spots around injection site. I haven't broke out for a long time either, so I am wondering if my body stress response and breaking out is from the shot.
Update: The breakout I thought I was having went away after a few hours. I ended up having a 101. Temp the next evening. No energy. It felt like I was hit by a truck. However the day after all side effects were almost gone. I
There is a great bunch of responses and knowledge here. I would suggest readers try to look at all the postings. **Remember** Shingrix did not come out until October 2017. So the earlier postings must be to Zostavax (live vaccine ZVL), rather then newer Shingrix (RZV).
My own experience with medication has been that Acyclovir and Valtrex did not work well. At a clinic, a PA confided in me that she used famciclovir, and suggested I try it. To say it helped would be an understatement. This medication is primary for herpes zoster. Yet it can be used and “is” used for HSV type 1 and 2. It works so quickly, especially if taken early. Now I am not saying this works for everyone, but was an incredible difference for me, obviously the PA, and I know of others.
Most doctors have told me, no you should use Valtrex! And then I tell them of my experience (Also Famvir was more expensive then valtrex and acyclovir, but now famvir is generic, so health plans used to discourage before generic... I actually had a Kaiser pharmacist call me up and say you have wrong Rx and should be on acyclovir... I asked her where did you get your MD and what did my MD Rx? She gave in.).
I am one of those people that would go long periods with no outbreaks, but then could have multiple outbreaks over short period of a few months or half a year. Anyway I was thinking of trying the shingles vaccine given that my experience with the shingles RX. Somewhere else I had read that people taking the vaccine had gone long periods without an HSV outbreak. Also, that a side benefit of Shingrix may/might be to suppress HSV. Now I am wondering if the live vaccine in the older shingles medicine, might work better. There are a number of people posted in 2015 and 16 to this article that seem to have a good result.
Thank you to all of you for your postings above, especially the ones in 2015 and 16 I found them very interesting. While my comments are only anecdotal regarding famvir, I would encourage those of you with regular outbreaks to at least try it. Most doctors will never even suggest or consider it because they don’t really know. The ones that know best are the ones that are in the STD clinics, but some of them are so jaded that their scornful and judgmental behavior gets in the way.
I’m going to look at these vaccines some more, I am inclined to try the newer one Shingrix And will let people know of my experience good or bad. I am a little reluctant because I have No outbreaks for long periods and some of the recent posters Have had bad experiences. So I will think about it for a while.
I have received the Shingrix vaccine twice over the last 6 months. Ever since my HSV2 has been acting up about every other month. I've had it for 25+ years and it has almost been absent from my life in the last decade or so. I am very annoyed that I get prodromal symptoms for which I now have to take acyclovir, at least 4 times in 6 months! Based on what I am reading here, there seems to be a link. The older posts, referring to the shingles vaccine may be on to something. Maybe that vaccine was actually preventing outbreaks for me all those years, but the new Shingrix? I wish I had not had it.
Not a coincidence, definitely related, but not exactly a side effect - most likely a result of the strong immune response provoked by Shingrix. I had no problems with first Shingrix shot. Had my second Shingrix shot on a Saturday. I had a significant adverse reaction for 3 days, with low grade fever, chills, sweats, headache, fatigue, lack of appetite, huge painful local shot reaction - basically stayed in bed. Wednesday I had the tingling, burning herpes prodrome on backside and thigh, then Thursday morning there was a small herpes outbreak on buttock - the usual pattern. I have had it for over 30 years but only have infrequent outbreaks and usually no prodrome. Luckily I had Valtrex on hand and started it when I felt the prodrome.
I can't blame the Shingrix itself but it did provoke a strong immune response as evidenced by the bad reaction. That probably brought on the herpes outbreak. My immune system was so busy with Shingrix that nasty herpes virus flared up. Outbreaks do occur when I have a fever or have otherwise been quite ill. Guess I should not be surprised, but the fierceness of the Shingrix reaction did amaze me. Glad it's over. Hope there will not be increased outbreaks of herpes in future.
I’ve read all the posts in this thread with great interest. My question: is there anyone here who was on Valtrex when you got the Shingrix vaccine? Did you have any genital outbreaks afterwards? In your opinion did taking the Valtrex offer you any protection against the side effect of an HSV2 outbreak?
I’ve been a very long time sufferer of HSV2, with very painful prodromal symptoms, and serious genital outbreaks on a monthly basis. Almost any kind of physical stress can set off an outbreak (ie exercise, sitting for long periods of time like on long drives or air travel, etc). I finally gave in a few years ago and began taking daily doses of 1000mgs of Valtrex. My outbreaks have completely stopped and I finally have my life back! Now my GP is really pushing hard for me to get the Shingrix vaccine (I am 65). But so far I have resisted her pleas. My doctor doesn’t believe there is any connection between the two.
But something in my gut keeps telling me not to risk it. And, unless I learn otherwise, judging from most of the posts here, I will probably continue to resist. :-/
Not sure if your still around QuietRiot (27 year old female here. GHSV-2) I will say after my research i have learned it matters which shingles vaccine you get. i am learning people who have gotten Shingrix do not report back with any positive feedback regarding their genital herpes. HOWEVER, the folks that commented in 2015 and previous to that likely got the vaccine "zostavex" which was the original shingles vaccine before shingrix. I had my first GHSV-2 outbreak back in april. I took valtrex for a few weeks while i let the research consume me. FURTHERMORE- I cant get the vaccine at my age without a prescription. I called my family dr. I didnt even have to go in. The nurse returned my phone call that day and i just expressed that i wanted the vaccine and that i specifically wanted it to be zostavax. She wrote me the script no questions asked. I stopped taking the daily anti-virals about 10 days ago and got my Zostavax vaccine shot today. It had to be special ordered and took my pharmacy a week to get it.
I have been on supressive therapy for years and years. I have been getting about one outbreak a year for the past few year. I am now on my second outbreak in the 3 months since I got the first Shingrix vaccine. My first thought was that they were connected. How many people have reported this to the FDA or their doctors? I plan to.
When I had my HSV2 outbreak about a week after I received my second dose of Shingrix, I reported that to my doctor. Mind you, I haven't had an outbreak in a decade or so! He didn't confirm or deny the connection, but prescribed high dose Valtrex to me 1000 mg 3x a day for a week. That took care of the outbreak quickly & effectively. Now I'm on suppressive dose of 500 mg once a day for few months. No matter what docs say that Shingles virus is not the same as Herpes virus, the two ARE from the same family of viruses; Herpesviridae family. And you're right, maybe we should start reporting our cases to the FDA.
There is a reporting vehicle for Shingrix complications in which you can file a report. Find it. I am.
This is indeed very strange. So many reported "coincidences" here with herpes outbreak shortly after getting Shingrix vaccine. Well, it happened to me too! I haven't had genital herpes outbreaks for over 10 years. I got my first Shingrix dose & there was no problem, but about a week after my second dose, I had a painful herpes outbreak. I started researching it & arrived at this website. I am sure the vaccine had everything to do with it, if not directly, then by temporarily stressing the immune system, allowing the long dormant virus to get reactivated. Ugh. I hope this outbreak heals & there will be no more of them. I started taking acyclovir 400 mg twice a day. I'll take it for a few months in hopes that the virus will once again get suppressed & under control.
L-lysine is amazing my ob/gyn recommended it. I take 1000 ml a day. I have only had an outbreak once in 5 years in the form of cold sores. I even crush a lysine pill up and add water and apply to my cold sores. It really has worked for me. When an outbreak occureces I up my dose to 2 pills three times a day so 6000 ml.
I received the new shingles shot for 50 and older and I am trying to be positive and hope my outbreaks will never come back. It is the day after my shot I am exhausted with an extreme headache, and neck pain. I hope tomorrow will be better, I am taking more lysine and praying it will help.
Thank you everyone for sharing this in itself has reduced my stress!
I find it interesting from all the responses that say the vaccine doesn't cause an outbreak. Like many of the others on here, I had the first Shingles vaccine shot on Monday, roughly 2 days later I had an outbreak, the severity of which I haven't had in years. I rarely have outbreaks after having this for over 30 years so I find it a little more than coincidental that the vaccine doesn't trigger something.
This is an interesting possibility! let me first say, I'm not a medical professional. I have come across some information in regards to ending or reducing the amount of Herpes outbreaks. I have read that the smallpox vaccine has had an effect on those with HSV-1 and possibly HSV-2. Unfortunately, the smallpox vaccine may be difficult to acquire, except under certain circumstances. The vaccine is no longer routinely available. I would like to see people reading this, put their collective heads together to gather more information on this important issue. If anyone finds more information, please feel free to share.
Large doses of vitamin D with the l lysine have helped me dramatically.
This isnt a direct response to your question - tho I am always suspicious of injections given and that includes certain vaccines. Im not sure theyre necessary and also that DO these 'scientists and healthcare professionals even know what theyre doing sticking stuff in you that- sometimes works' . I am not a healthcare medical doctor but I have been in and around healthcare and the delivery systems of healthcare for 30 years. Anyway I wanted to put this out there for those trying to stave off herpes outbreaks - for tens of thousands a dose of a natural amino acid helps immensely and I dont know why ' healthcare professionals' dont recommend people try it before pushing their pharmaceutical billion dollar damned drugs. Oh, I just answered the question didnt I.
Try 1000mg daily of L-Lysine. Purchase from a reputable vitamin company. It works for so many to reduce or completely stop outbreaks. I hope this helps many many people, it has helped me for years. And I WISH healthcare providers would recognize this and instead of pushing some expensive drug - actually deliver healthcare in a more responsible and ethical manor. enuff said.
Ramprod Have you ever heard of taking Lysine for too long in those doses?
I've had genetal herpes for 6 months and I have a chronic condition. Neuralgia pain every day. Burning skin every day. Lesion outbreaks once a week that look like a pimple or 2. I read a lot on the France study and decided to try it. I made sure that I started with the chickenpox vaccine due to some people stating that they were worse off after getting the shingles vaccine. It is 14 times stronger. And with a booster could easily add another varivax shot. Its been one month. I felt tired the day after. similar to when i get a flu vaccine. The next couple days I didn't feel anything different than I had been. Outbreaks were the same. Since about a week after the shot my neuralgia has been getting a little worse. Not a lot worse, but toward the more painful end. I'm hoping that over the next few months the vaccine will stop hurting and start helping my condition. we will see.
Is it still the same for you?
I had my first breakout 2 years ago, 3 weeks after a Shingles vaccination. I have never had any previous issues and was totally monogamous for over 30 years. I was however an EMT and could possibly have been infected during that time.
When speaking to my doctor, he said my body's immune system could have been able to hold off the virus outbreak but was overwhelmed fighting it and the shingles virus.
I haven't had a second outbreak in over 2 years.
I've had recurring genital herpes outbreaks about 1 - 2 per year since I was 19 years of age. I got a shingles vaccine almost 4 years ago and have not had a single outbreak of herpes that I've been aware of since. My outbreaks were never very severe and I had never taken anything for it.
My doctor was surprised when I mentioned this too him, I intend to get tested for the virus and he's fairly hopeful that I will only show anti-bodies but no viral load. Here's hoping.
Have you gotten your results back from the doctor? I'm sure many reading this would be interested to know.
Which vaccine did you get for Shingles? The Shingrix or the Zostavax?
Related topics
herpes simplex - suppression, herpes zoster, acyclovir, herpes, vaccine
Further information
- Acyclovir uses and safety info
- Acyclovir prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Acyclovir (detailed)
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