HELLO ALL, MY GRANDCHILDREN HAVE CHICKEN-POX AND IM WONDERING IF IM ABLE TO SEE THEM NOT SURE IF IVE HAD CHICKEN-POX BUT IVE HAD SHINGLES

Hi BGM. As you are on MTX you should stay away from the children until they are clear of the chickenpox. If you still have the leaflet which you would have been given by the Hospital when you first went on MTX, it does say quite clearly to avoid anyone with chickenpox. If you think you may have been infected, you will need to see GP urgently who should refer you straight to the hospital. I had to avoid my grandchildren when they had chickenpox (which I had as a child anyway). MTX is a highly toxic drug which for some reason interacts with the chickenpox virus. It does cause shingles and even if you have already had shingles, you can get it again. With a compromised immune system, it is not worth the risk. LavendarLady x

That's really good advice. My 2 both had it last year, and because I had been in contact with them I was given some anti virals. Fortunately I was fine. You just have to be very careful and uit is impiortant that you contact your GP asap.

I have always been told that as the infection of chicken pox is spread before the spots come out that if you think you have been in contact then you should see your Dr or consultant who will do a bllod test to see if you need to be put on anti-virals. Mel

they are infectious before the spots come out!! and also until the last spot or "pox" scabs over

Anti virals have to be given fairly promptly to work so time is important!

note if you have has shingles you will have had chicken pox at some point prob in childhood.. the shingles is a reactivation of the chicken pox virus that lies dormant in the body hiding on a nerve ending somewere!! .something such as re exposure to chicken pox awakens it.. hence thats why shingles is painful as it involves nerve endings

Alison