I was diagnosed with shingles 2 weeks ago. Compared to some, it was a mild case with just a small rash on my back. I caught it early and was given antibiotics which I finished last week. The rash has pretty much cleared but now I have overwhelming bouts of fatigue. Yesterday I literally couldn't move. Is this to do with the shingles and if so, how long does it take to be 100% better?
Often, with shingles, you can have exhaustion, fatigue, malaise, irritability etc anytime 2 weeks before, during, and usually up to 2 weeks after the rash has cleared. It is important to remember that you are infected with the Herpes Varicella virus, that you had a viral infection that for some is excruciating, and is a serious infection. I prefer to call it Herpes Zoster, as I have recurrent Herpes Zoster Oticus in my right ear every three to five weeks for the last 19 years. I have fatigue, malaise, fever, preceding the severe pain, must take antivirals and pain medication, and rest during each episode. I hope this helps.
Merry
Oh god, poor you. I think I've underestimated how serious it can be. I was in a lot of pain before the rash popped up but at the time thought it was muscle strain so powered through. I then didn't rest as I had a busy week in London with work that I had worked too hard on to miss out. I'm beginning to think I over did it and should have stayed home.
May I ask your age? I started with Zoster in my early 40s . I had a severe right ear ache in which I felt I was giving birth via my ear canal while being tased. I literally wanted to cut out my ear. Of course, I went to my allergist, who knew something was wrong, and 2 ENTs, who thought it was all in my head, no pun intended. I finally saw an otoneurologist, who diagnosed it when the rash came out on the external ear. My 7 year old son, whom I had trained to use an otoscope, had told me there were blisters on my ear drum and canal two and a half weeks after the pain began. I didn't think of Zoster right away as I was in so much pain. It actually took that long for the blisters, rash to appear. Then I called the otoneurologist, and he told me, it sounds like good Ole Ramsay Hunt Syndrome-Herpes Zoster Oticus, to me! Finally, a diagnosis! Unfortunately, it started reoccurring with increasing frequency. When I have a headache, I start the Famvir immediately.
Because you overdid it in London and powered through it, it sounds like your body is screaming at you now to rest. I would obey your body. I am sorry you too went through Shingles. You sound like me. Working through the pain as it has to get done. I have become wiser, though, and realized, that my body can only handle so much stress, then it protests by becoming ill
Please do take care of yourself.
Yours,
Merry
A Nurse Practitioner from across the Pond
I'm 33 and when I went to the doctors I thought it was either a kidney infection or muscle strain. He actually gave me a prescription for shingles because he had a hunch but wasn't sure as there was no rash present. 2 days later and it appeared but, because it wasn't as bad as some people get it I just powered through. I'm definitely resting now. Do you think a vit b supplement will help? My friend said it did wonders for her hubby when he was recovering.
If you eat nutritious food from all the groups, I doubt that a vitamin supplement would help. I have had concussions and two strokes, and tried Vit B supplements after the first stroke. It did nothing. A hematologist did a comprehensive workup after the second stroke. My Vitamin levels were very high. B vitamins are water soluble, and what your body does not use, it excretes out. You can ask your physician to measure your vitamin levels, but if you have no anemia, and are in otherwise good health, with no bleeding disorders, you probably need tincture of time and rest.
Dear Kate;
I don't know if you have seen any of my other replies on this site; but, I have had reoccurring Shingles for 35 years. Yes, fatigue is totally normal. Every bout is somewhat different, and each person's symptoms are somewhat different. It can take up to 4 to 8 weeks for the main symptoms to dwindle.From exhaustion, mouth sores, cold or flu-like symptoms, upper respiratory symptom, soreness, pain, stomach discomfort, itching, etc... are some of the many symptoms people can have. Fatigue, definitely one; but, if something else comes up that you question, call and ask the nurse at your doctor's office. Did you know though, some doctors still are not informed enough to know people can get reoccurring Shingles?!!
Dear Roswell,
I do feel for you as you have had recurrences far longer than I have had. I have Ramsay Hunt Syndrome-Herpes Zoster Oticus Right Ear every three to five weeks for the last 19 years every three to five weeks.
You are so correct that many physicians are ignorant about Herpes Zoster, recurrences, treatments, analgesics, etc. May I ask what dermatome is affected and do you have post herpetic neuropathy?
Merry
First of all, you are lucky it was caught early and had a mild case. Everyone is different. If the fatigue keeps up I would call your Doctor just to be sure. I had a really bad case and was in bed for about 8 weeks so like I said everyone's case is different. Good luck and I hope you are better soon.
Thank you all for your replies. I've been feeling a bit better over the last couple of days except now I feel like I'm getting the flu. I ache all over. I hate this and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!
Hang in there. Rest as much as you can. Don't push yourself. This will get better.
Hi Kate,
How are you feeling these days? I got shingles about a month ago. Your case sounded very much like mine (I too thought it was a muscle strain) and I thought I'd got over it but then came the faitigue, weird numbness and general flu like symptoms. Began to feel better again but the last couple of days it seems to be back.
I'm feeling a lot better. For me, the fatigue was far worse than the shingles themselves. Then because my immune system was low I ended up with the flu in April (about a month after my shingles started) and that absolutely floored me. I started taking a multivitamin supplement and overhauling my diet. I now have a smoothie every morning consisting of banana, blueberries, spinach, almond milk and cinnamon and that's really helped building my energy back up as well as cutting down on all refined sugar and eating as healthily as possible. If you're still feeling under the weather, now is the time to be kind to yourself and take it easy. I underestimated shingles in a big way and now realise that it takes a while to get over. You'll start to feel much better as the weeks pass 
Oh and I still get the numbness where the pain was. My friend who had shingles 5 years ago still gets that sensation too. It damages the nerve endings so it's something I'll probably have forever.
Glad you are feeling better, thanks for the reply. It's a weird thing as when I read up about it, most sources talk about the pain but little else. It's only when reading accounts like your own that make me think, yes, me too.
It's hard to explain the symptoms, numbness, strange creeping tingling. When I'm feeling tired I also get a feeling of slight confusion like I'm not all there which is what bothers me the most.
Having said all that, feeling much better today.
Hi Kate. Yes I still feel exhausted at times two months after I was diagnosed! The virus remains in the system for some time I believe. I read that it's called viremia. I found I needed to sleep longer and nap often. I'm 72 so maybe it affects older people more in this way. You didn't mention your age! I didn't have much rash but still getting PHN, (neuralgia). It's well worth reading up about it on here and looking at the forums too. I'm beginning to improve slowly now but can't overdo things like housework or gardening yet. A little often is probably the answer. Take it easy Kate! 
See my other reply to Kate. PS, I got a chest infection about 6-7 weeks after shingles. That knocked me for six too. Doc said I was run down! lol Viremia is another word for it so I understand. I think I've learned more on here than from the GP! Rest, rest and more rest is my advice to help get rid of the virus more quickly. 
So great to read all your replies - reassuring that my weariness and strange tinkling in throat, tongue and limbs is all part of this terrible virus. I'll be so glad when I can get myself back to normal - I just don't feel well - I've had the virus now for about 6 - 7 weeks
I realize that this forum entitled "Exhausted post shingles" started 7 months ago. Today is 10-19-15. My husband, 91 years old, is experiencing a great deal of fatigue, PLUS bouts of lightheadedness, plus some tingling in feet and legs. The outbreak on an upper arm would be considered mild, and caused only mild discomfort. (He had the vaccine 2-3 years ago.) It is now two weeks since the eruption plus one week of Valtrex. There are times when he feels his "normal self," however two days ago we went to the ER with severe fatigue, sweating, and lightheadedness. He has prostate cancer, and I surmise that his compromised immune system and medications (including prednisone) had a lot to do with this situation.
Our main concern is the lightheadedness, and wonder whether others are experiencing any of this.
We appreciate the contributions of others on this forum, and thank MsM81 for starting it. Wishing the best for all of you!