Pred dosage and chickenpox dangers?

[WelshSmallholder]

I know that the dangers from chicken pox infection vary with pred dosage.

I have been reducing on DSNS and am currently taking 6/6.5mg.

Has anyone any thoughts/knowledge/experience on risk at this dosage?

(Chickenpox infected grandchildren scheduled for a visit shortly - to cancel or not)

Thanks

[PMRpro Ambassador]

There is something about it in the FAQs I think.

Have YOU had chicken pox as a child? What stage of CP are the children at?

[WelshSmallholder in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. Sorry, as always should look in FAQ! No memory of having it as a child but when wife and children were struck down 25 years ago I did not get it.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WelshSmallholder]

And what stage are the kids at?

[WelshSmallholder in reply to PMRpro]

Grandchild one diagnosed two days ago. Grandchild two in close contact with Grandchild one but not showing any symptoms yet. Visit not due until 10 days from now

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to WelshSmallholder]

Just as no 2 is likely to be coming out in spots. No 1 will be fine by then probably!

As HeronNS says, however you look at it, CP in adults can be very severe and very unpleasant. You need to be tested really. And even if you have had CP there is the risk of it triggering shingles.

[WelshSmallholder in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks. I will see if the GP will test me!

[HeronNS in reply to WelshSmallholder]

I always sworn I'd never had it, and with close family exposures as an adult I didn't get sick. Finally asked my doctor to have me tested and yes, I must have had an asymptomatic case at some point. So eventually I caved and got the two-dose Shingrix vaccine. Interestingly one son had chicken pox when he and his little brother were still young enough to share bathtub. Younger boy never developed symptoms. Their older sister waited a few years and had her case when she was 15. I've warned that youngest child of mine he may be like me and had an asymptomatic case.

If in doubt I'd sit this one out, but try to get tested asap so you'll know your own status (and if you should get Shingrix). Mostly I'd be very cautious not just because of possible immune suppression but simply because CP can be very nasty for adults.

[Longtimer in reply to HeronNS]

Had it in my twenties…horrendous!

[HeronNS in reply to Longtimer]

Yes, my teen daughter wasn't very happy either.