CLL and Chickenpox

[Alex15alex]

My 6 year old grandson has chicken pox. I have isolated from him since first sign of spots( before they blistered,)

I have CLL and take ibrutinib. I have had the Shingrex vaccine. I had chickenpox as a child.

The question is should I tell my consultant ?

thanks,

Alex

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Alex14alex,

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It certainly would not seem an issue to leave a message with the receptionist or nurse that support the consultant.

I suspect you will be told that chicken pox exposure is unlikely to cause a shingles outbreak in someone that had chicken pox as a child, and especially since you have had Shingrix.

But being immune compromised, you should be vigilant for any skin out breaks, odd pain or other abnormalities, since early intervention with shingles specific antivirals (Valacyclovir, Acyclovir, Famciclovir ro.co/health-guide/valacycl.... ) is very important, despite having had Shingrix .

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You can read two past discussions on this subject by looking for the box on this page labeled:

"Related Posts

*Chickenpox and shingles healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

*Granddaughter with chickenpox healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

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Len

[Alex15alex in reply to lankisterguy]

Thank you so much for your prompt reply.

I appreciate it very much.

Alex.

[Poodle2]

It is my understanding that you cannot get shingles from being exposed to chicken pox but I might be wrong. Looked into this as I have CLL and my kids all went through chicken pox, the youngest one last year just before I started treatment (I had chicken pox as a child as well).

[Alex15alex in reply to Poodle2]

Thankyou so much for your kind reply, it is most appreciated.

I hope your treatment went well.

Alex.

[Newdawn Administrator]

Alex, you cannot get shingles from someone with chickenpox but you can get chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before. When people get chickenpox, the virus remains in the body. It can be reactivated later and cause shingles if someone's immune system is lowered.

The risk for CLL’ers is the very rare but possible second chicken pox infection (even if they’ve had chicken pox before).

You could mention it to your Consultant but your risk seems very low.

Newdawn

[Alex15alex in reply to Newdawn]

Newdawn,

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it very much.

Alex.

[Alex15alex]

thanks, yes I agree

all the best Alex

[stevesmith1964]

Hi

Chicken pox was a concern for me as I have a 5 and 3 Yr olds, the 5 Yr old had Chicken pox before my stage 4 diagnosis and immediate treatment and nearly 60 yo. , but my 3 Yr old hadn't. So I got my Chicken antibodies checked and I still had them even after treatment Even so I got my 3 Yr old vaccinated, free on NHS.

[Alex15alex in reply to stevesmith1964]

Thanks

Very interesting information.

It is a few years since I had FCR and now on Ibrutinib.

Alex.

[Jujy]

Is the chickenpox vaccine not given in the UK? Children in contact with CLL patients should be up-to-date on their vaccinations, though I admit haranguing my son (for himself, our DIL, and our grandson) about flu shots has not been effective.

[Doggoneit101]

I would but that just my opinion.

[Alex15alex in reply to Doggoneit101]

thanks