Lots of good advice here. My husband and several others in family have had them. I had C.P. as a child but got the vaccine after my husband contracted the Shingles. The only thing I would add to your advice is when my sister-in-law had them, her Dr suggested applying Listerine topically and it helped. It has to be full strength, original Listerine, not "flavored" etc. It seems to help...hope it can assist you as well. Good luck.