Bonnie
"Shingles" is just a layman's term for Herpes Zoster which is part of the Herpes family (as is chicken pox). You are right in linking it to stress since that's when most people break out, whether zoster or simplex (fever blisters/cold sores). If your doctor hasn't mention acyclovir (Zovirax) to you, ask him about it. While it doesn't normally prevent an outbreak (it can though), it will help decrease the severity of the outbreak and the discomfort that comes with it. But sadly to say, there is no cure. It's caused by the herpes virus which lies dormant under the skin until triggered by different factors, such as a sunburn, stress, illnesses, etc. Acyclovir comes in tablet or cream form and it doesn't hurt to use both at the same time. Whatever you do, don't share eating/drinking utensils with anyone and use a clean towel and washcloth before bathing each and every time. And DON'T SCRATCH. Good luck to you.