Is Pleurisy contagious?

[Perkins1]

Hi I am a carer and care for a client who has another carer who comes once a week. I visit twice independently. Our paths don't cross.The other carer was recent hospitalised with Pleurisy but discharged herself against advice.She continues to visit our client. She said she caught it from her partners mum. So are we the client and myself, at risk from catching it and if we do is it completely curable or like shingles remains in the system?

[Hidden]

Pleurisy cannot be passed from person to person. The carer who has it is mis informed. HOWEVER, some types of pneumonia can be passed from person to person. Also pleurisy can develop as a result of pneumonia. I would not take it for granted that this person actually does know what they have or have had. It may actually be pneumonia that they caught from another person.If they are still ill they should not be at work and quite frankly, pleurisy is so painful that they would not be able to work.I would give them a wide birth and speak to their employer.

[Perkins1 in reply to Hidden]

Trouble is she is self employed but I shall speak to the client we both care for. I lateral test for Covid twice a week and wear PPE but am worried this lady who I have not met is still visiting vulnerable clients having discharged herself with Pleurisy and I know not how she developed it or if carrying any chest infection she may pass on. I see it can be viral or bacterial but she definitely said she caught it from her partners mum. Many thanks for advise

[Hidden in reply to Perkins1]

I agree with you. Having discharged herself and visiting patients with whatever she is carrying is a risk.

[Bevvy]

Having had pleurisy a number of times I know how horrendous the condition is. I do not understand the logic of discharging yourself from hospital and returning to work quickly.Most people will have condition once and hopefully won’t again BUT in my case it remains a weakness in my body and have repeated situation a number of times and then takes me months to recover.

As littlepom says pleurisy itself is not contagious BUT the virus, infection and so on that has caused the pleurisy CAN be passed on.

Personally I wouldn’t want a carer attending my home who is unwell with anything. I assume cared for is vulnerable which makes it even more imperative that visitors are fit and well including carers!

[Perkins1 in reply to Bevvy]

This is my worry Bevvy. Sorry to hear your recurring situation. I had thought it could lay dormant Iin the system which is another worry. I will have a talk to my client but if she is reluctant to stop the carer coming (think she had been out on the spot) I shallbhave not choice but to stop attending until the other lady proves she is signed off as fit.

[Hidden in reply to Perkins1]

It doesn't lie dormant in the body but will recurr if the person has a weakness which leads to infections from which the pleurisy develops. Obviously people with lung conditions tend to suffer more from this.

[Bevvy in reply to Perkins1]

To be honest it’s really your client I feel for. She is probably highly vulnerable and the carer is extremely selfish working with her. As is she if visiting other vulnerable people. Things like this make me very cross! She must have been extremely unwell to be in hospital and is now being thoughtless in her actions.

[Hidden in reply to Bevvy]

Totally agree Bevvy.

[MELNEL]

That's unbelievable that she is taking no responsibility for her patient she cared for. I do agree with anyone here.

You wrote you don't cross paths with her, but it would be a good thing to cross her path, to have a chat with her about the situation and how risky it is to work with other patients. Or maybe leave a note that you don't agree that she visits the patient when still infected. So did the client told you this that her carer had Pleurisy?

If so and the client feeling not safe with her she should stop the visit for her, or not?

Stay safe and well 🍀🍀🍀

[Perkins1]

Thanks all. I have voiced my concerns with client today who I feel is being taken advantage of. She just brushed it off saying she feels fine and likes the carer and doesn't want to make a fuss or rock the bait which is the normal with the elderly in my experience. So stoic. I tried to explain she has to consider not onky her health but those around her. Here own family for one and I have to consider mine too. Its tricky for sure. Our paths don't cross, the carer and I because we work totally ddifferent days and days she works I am working elsewhere. We offer different care services from each other. Her more hand on and personal which makes it even worse for my client. Anyway thanks all at least I have been able make her more informed.