Oh goodness. I had them at age 24--but not a terrible case. There was a round spot on my back. It's so strange how it hurts all the way to the front--but only on half the body. I'm 48 now and haven't gotten them again--yet.
Now I've heard they are contagious. I was a waitress at the time I had them and the doc said since my spot was covered with a shirt, it was okay to go to work. But when the blisters pop--the fluid is contagious. A teacher had them last year and was told the same thing. It's worse to be near any woman who's pregnant.
Good luck.... it's no fun at all. :(