I think the duration of any illness depends on the person's health, age and even genetics. I think it was about 2 months before I fully felt like me again post shingles, but there are meds that alleviate some of the symptoms. I don't produce many (if any) antibodies from vaccines either so, yes, still must take all the precautions since our response to vaccinations are lower than healthy folks...but your chances of getting really sick or winding up in the hospital are definitely lowered by getting the vaccinations. Personally I get so frustrated by the "anti-vax" crowd...do they think measles, small pox, pertussis, etc, just disappeared magically without the hard work of physicians and medical science?
Can't tell it by my moniker "Charlie" (haha...one of my cats) but I am of French heritage so yes indeedy, their food is great. And because it's a walking city, they eat but walk a lot so are pretty healthy and fit. Also hardly any fast food joints. (We did find it funny that in their Mickey D's that along with soda dispensers, there are wine dispensers too!