I have COPD. Can I visit my grandson with chickenpox?

[Martoni]

I have COPD. Can I visit my 1 year old grandson who has chickenpox atm? Thanks.

[Difficul]

To some extent, your decision will depend on how bad your COPD is. However, I'd say your first two questions to consider are whether you have had chicken pox yourself and if you are vaccinated against shingles.

[Patf1 in reply to Difficul]

My understanding is that if you have had chickenpox in the past, your grandson cannot give it to you again and as regards shingles, the NHS website says

" You cannot get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox.

But you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before.

When people get chickenpox, the virus stays in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if someone's immune system is weakened.

This can be because of stress, certain conditions, or treatments like chemotherapy."

I hope that this helps.

[NieceByMarriage]

It's my understanding that people with COPD are at higher risk of shingles which is the same as the chickenpox virus. If you have a) had chickenpox in the past and b) been vaccinated for shingles then maybe it would be OK but I would get advice from your GP to be on the safe side. Personally I would not think it worth the risk unless there is some other factor that makes this visit particularly important.

[Martoni in reply to NieceByMarriage]

Thank you both for the advice, much appreciated.

[Loopylorre in reply to Martoni]

Usually with chickenpox as soon as the spots have scabbed over the child is no longer considered contagious, so, if that’s happened & you have had the relevant vaccines for yourself that brings the risk down, but it’s as others have said it’s still a risk & you need to weigh up the need to visit against your own health 😊🌷💐🌸

[sassy59]

l wouldn’t advise doing that as shingles is nasty and you could risk your health. See your lovely grandson when he’s better. Xxx

[Nottobad123]

My 15 year old son had chickenpox about 6 months ago, we kept him away from the rest of the family as much as possible but I had no problem with putting calamine lotion on him to relieve the itching.I have copd and asthma + much more.

I think it was just to visit my grandson, I would wait until it wasn't contagious, it is after all highly contagious, but only for about a week.

[Alberta56]

I agree- it's best to wait.

[Digger0]

I think I'd wait as if you then get shingles it can be very nasty and go on for ages. Facetime him instead

[B0xermad]

I had shingles in may it's awful to recover from and really painful ,I wasn't old enough to have been given the jab so please take care

[anng1814]

Hi Martoni,

I caught Chicken pox from my husband, after he had shingles. You don't get shingles from Chicken Pox. However, I'd err on the side of caution, if you are concerned,

[Karenanne61]

My understanding is that you can not get shingles from chicken pox. If you've had chicken pox the virus lays dorrmant in you're body. It can be reactivated if the immune system is weakened. However, check the NHS website.

[Timberman]

If you have had it yes; if not I suggest not. Until it is clear. You are vulnerable to infection.

[Jaybird19]

think about he other people that you could pass it on to . have you had either of these virus'/s YOURSELF?

stay away from any nfection for both your sake and others ,talk to him through pane of glass yourself ?perhaps.

[MoyB]

If it is a rare visit to see a child who lives a long way away I would risk it but throw on a mask. However, a child who lives nearby will still be there in a week or two so in that case I would be inclined to wait until they're no longer considered infectious.How lovely to have a 1yr old grandson. Our youngest is coming up for 10!

Xx Moy

[Kristicats]

just to be on the safe side I would wait a couple of weeks to visit and then only if the child is not showing signs of fever.

[Karenanne61]

You cannot get shingles from someone with shingles or chickenpox.

But you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before.

When people get chickenpox, the virus stays in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if someone's immune system is weakened. (Source-NHS website)