Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise

I like to think I’ve reached a level of maturity and wisdom as I pass my mid-60s. I wouldn’t say that I’m wealthy but I’m certainly comfortable. And for the most part I enjoy good health.

But not today. A few years ago I had the single-shot shingles vaccine. A few years later I developed shingles, but it was itchy and annoying, but not the painful experience I’ve heard about. I was very glad to have had the vaccine (and the same went for COVID, which I experienced mildly). Then, this year, my doctor suggested the two-shot shingles vaccine. Keep me healthy! So I agreed.

For the first one I had that usual injection site soreness one often gets with a vaccine shot, and expected no more from #2, which was yesterday. Then I went to bed—and the fever and nausea started. I slept about 20-30 minutes at a time. I was very uncomfortable all night long.

Of course, these symptoms were accompanied by fatigue and extreme muscle ache from moving too much furniture. But I’m still thinking it’s the vaccine reaction. And hoping it is.

I often get a bit cavalier about my health and I know I should be more careful about taking it for granted.