My husband developed shingles a few years ago, and fortunately he knew what it was. He promptly got the treatment for it. By 'promptly' I mean that he called the doctor's office and got the first injection 1.5 hours later. Because if you get shingles, you need immediate treatment, and the doctor's staff knew that.

His mother got shingles years before him. She suffered terribly for weeks. Then, years later, it came back. Poor woman!

I got vaccinated right away when my husband came down. I know I had chicken pox as a child, and NO WAY did I want to risk the misery of shingles. I don't believe the shot offers 100% protection, but I want whatever protection I can get.

Get the injection, even if you have to pay a hefty fee.