My sister has shingles

[Jo1947]

My sister has just found out she has shingles. I am on 10mg of Pred and wonder if I should. Still be seeing her on Friday and Saturday this week, what do you all think, thanks

[Hidden]

Hi jo1947

From what I understand it's infectious when in blister phase and can be "caught" from the fluid contained and leaking from the blisters. Once they forms crusts/scabs it is supposed to be past the infectious phase.

My neice had shingles just before Xmas so I had a look at contagious issues- It's things like shared towels and bedding that had to be hot washed.

Personally I wouldn't risk it BUT I am also on a steroid sparing drug that also suppresses immune system, more so than pred. There have been others in a similar predicament who will help you decide what to do.

[Jo1947 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks pooadoop, forgot to add that I had cp at 15. I think I will forgo Friday night as on Saturday I can keep well away from her.

[SheffieldJane]

If you haven’t had Chicken Pox I think you are at risk from people with Shingles as the liquid within the blister carries the live virus. Prednisalone, of course makes you more prone to infection. Having said that, I haven’t had Chicken Pox and I nursed 3 children through it and more recently whilst on Pred. my grandson. Including giving him oatmeal baths and dabbing his spots with Calamine lotion. I still didn’t get it. Oh I just remembered you can have your immunity checked by a blood test and I did and was immune. I hope this is of use to you.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Theoretically yes. The medical literature says it is sooooo unilkely to happen it isn't worth worrying about - you'd have to poke the blisters, the virus isn't shed by sneezing, coughing etc as it is in CP.

The risk of shingles remains if you have had CP - but it is there anyway.

[Jo1947 in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks PMR, have had cp at 15 will just see her Saturday with a wide berth,

[Jo1947 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks Jane, have had cp at 15, not going to see her Friday as Saturday can keep well away from her.

[Hidden]

I had CPas a kid and shingles twice so am hoping I am in the clear. Hopefully as an adult your sister won't be scratching blisters then touching everything lol.

[Jo1947 in reply to Hidden]

Haha, would not be in her company if she was doing this anyway😩

[carolpatriarco01]

Better safe than sorry I always say😊

[sondya]

I was told to keep away from people with infections. Especially shingles.

[Grants148]

I believe shingles and chicken pox is best avoided when taking steroids.lhope that your sister will be better soon ,it is a nasty infection.