Training with Shingles

Originally posted by Jeepguy2358

Just wondering if anyone has any experience in training with shingles. I'm just over a week in and have been taking meds as prescribed with two days left. As things stand now, I have a some red spots, with just a little itching and some pain which is tolerable with Advil. During the past week I have done absolutely nothing in order to let my body recover. With IMKY only a couple months away, I'm getting a little concerned and obviously very restless. Any thoughts, advice, or experiences??

Originally posted by PsyTri



Just got diagnosed with outbreak of shingles an hour ago! Saw this thread. How did the race turn out for you? Was shingles a factor in your next few months' training and the race? I hope you are well and feeling better.

I could use some input myself. Hoping to benefit from your (and anyone else's) wisdom.

My story: I Went for about a mile saltwater OWS (the first 1/2 mile was strenuous against the current) on Sunday. Just sore when got home, particularly the right bicep (I breathe to the right). Ran that night and went to sleep with heating pad on bicep and no shower (I know, disgusting, but I was getting up the next AM to swim and did not want another shower). Swam next morning (and showered!). Got home from work and when took off shirt, noticed this several inch, oblong, red patch of skin with hive-like bumps on my right-side lat (on my back). Put on hydrocortisone. Thought maybe the heating pad scratched it and the bacteria from not showering might have caused an infection. Then, remembered having been scraped by some seaweed or some floating thing during the swim. Worried about a staph infection. Applied antibiotic ointment. Also, there were some little tingles on my back during the swim so I thought maybe sea lice or jelly fish larvae stings. No better this morning. So, to be proactive and cautious, I go to the derm today and she says shingles. Luckilly the kiddos have had their chickenpox vaccines and wife has had chickenpox. It's in the VERY early stage and am starting antiviral meds this afternoon. No blisters yet, so presumably not communicable yet (according to the CDC website).

I'm really in disbelief. Training for my 2nd sprint on October 20. First was on September 1. Took a day off and got back to training right away. Been raring to go. This and next week were supposed to be my peak weaks and then 2 weeks taper. Doctor says rest. What's that? I get 5.5 - 7 hours of sleep a night. Am working out 1-2 times a day, 5-6 days a week. Feel in good shape but want to conquer the ocean swim (my first). Really want to compete in the sprint, but not sure what to expect re: shingles over the next 4 weeks. I'm 42, and I've read that the pain syndromes are less common under 60. It's still early, and maybe if I sacrafice my workouts this week, hit the meds, and sleep more, I can minimize the impact, prevent it's spread, and get back to training in a week, then taper, then race. Any advice or thoughts?

Originally posted by jbrookscga78

My case took about 6 weeks plus to fully resolve. I had it on right chest (wrapped around to back). The pain was first, and intense (if it had been left side, I would have thought it was a heart attack). The lesions came 7-10 days later, when I realized that is what it was, and went to the doctor. Training made the pain bearable; a 7 mile run was great therapy. The pain was worst when I was trying to get to sleep at night. My doctor encouraged me to train, since it was what helped me the most - even better than pain medication.. I think that shingles "above the neck" have it worst in every way. I have heard that some have got it in their eyes, and it can cause partial blindness and permanent damage. I think as many as 1 in 4 that have had chicken pox will get shingles at some point. I was age 49 at the time I went through it.

Originally posted by PsyTri I'm only on day 2 of knowing I have it. Feel fine physically aside from some itching. I know it can and probably will get more uncomfortable. Mentally, though, I'm confused. All doc said was to rest, take meds, and take it easy. Skipped swim this AM and can rationalize tha since had extra long swim added into schedule Sunday. When I start missing more sessions, I'm going to hate it. Sounds like training has helped some folks. Not sure what approach to take. Only 1 of 100 will get it a 2nd time.  Only 10-15% will have post shingles pain syndrome, but if under age 60, risk of the pain syndrome is less than 2%.  Treatment within 3 days of rash appearing reduces risk of pain syndrome further.  Train but at less intensity for the next couple weeks until sores heal? Ignore it and train like I would otherwise. Cut out the pool swims only until I'm no longer contagious?I know I can still race on Oct 20, but want to peak for the race not just make it there. Thoughts?

Originally posted by TTom

This is exactly the approach I took and it worked out great.  Less pain when and after training.  Loose clothing over the blisters to prevent them from premature breakage.  Once past contagious when I did the one swim in the pool wore a tri top as I did not want to have to explain the (non-contagious) rashes.  During the race a tight tri top and wetsuit caused no issues with the crusted over blisters.

Originally posted by g_shotts I don't know anything about training with shingles. I have watched several older family member suffer from this virus. I've heard that 1/3 of people in the US will end up with shingles at some point, and it can be incredibly painful. There is a vaccine on the market that will prevent shingles outbreaks for most people It's pretty cheap, especially when compared to the agony that an outbreak can cause. Personally, I think the vaccine is a great birthday or Christmas gift for family members, especially older family members, who might not get the vaccine on their own.

Originally posted by PsyTri Just an update. I apparently had the "blessing" of a most mild flare up of shingles. No pain. Just some itching/discomfort for a week. No unsightly scabs, etc. The rash turned into the pustules, which dried up and went away. Only treatment was acyclovir. Doctor was pleased. I was thrilled. No longer communicable. Started back in the water yesterday. Felt weird at first, but today's swim was much more organized and productive, and I am getting that confidence back. Thanks again for all of the advice.

Originally posted by TTom

Glad to hear you dodged that bullet.  It is amazing to me how a relatively short break from the swim causes one to lose swim fitness.  My recent outbreak has kept me out of the water for about a month.  I just started back as well and it is a lot harder than it seems it should be.  I know it'll come back fairly quickly, but intervals that used to be a standard now leave me gasping.  Again, glad to hear you got off easy!