chicken pox and PMR: My grandson has chicken pos... - PMRGCAuk

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chicken pox and PMR

Fetlar73 profile image
9 Replies

My grandson has chicken pos symptoms appeared last Sunday. He and his parents are coming to stay with me on the 28th Dec. For two days (one weeks time) at present he is covered in spots.

They are willing to cancel their visit the decision is mine. Advice please.

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Fetlar73 profile image
Fetlar73
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9 Replies
DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Few things to consider -

did you have CP as a child? If so the virus is still in your body- dormant at the moment -but can reactivated as Shingles for you. More at risk because you have a weakened immune system due to Pred

Have you had Shingles vaccine?

Depends if he is still contagious

Ultimately up to you, but you have to think is 2days worth the risk.

Fetlar73 profile image
Fetlar73 in reply toDorsetLady

so sorry my usual Pred head this morning. Yes I have had chicken pox as a child. Also have had the shingles jab. I am at present on 2mg pred.thanks for your advice, not worth the visit I think. But I was soooo looking forward to it.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toFetlar73

Well you may be okay if you’ve had vaccine - but it’s still a risk.

Disappointing I know- but there will be other visits…

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

By the 29th he should have all the spots crusted over and no longer be contagious. The most infectious period is the 24 hours BEFORE the first spot appears and then to a lesser extent as time goes on until all the blisters have scabbed over which has usually happened by 5-6 days after the rash appeared - so by next Sunday, 25th, all the blisters should be scabbed, If that has happened - you will be fine on the 28th. I'm assuming that there are no siblings still to go down with it.

You have had CP, you have had the shingles jab and are only on 2mg. It is a very small risk - and if all is scabbed, no risk.

Purpleazalia profile image
Purpleazalia

The NHS website says that you cannot catch shingles from someone with shingles or chicken pox

nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

I had my young grand children living with me when they caught chicken pox. I didn't develop shingles. To be on the safe side, I didn't help my daughter with their personal care or clothes/bedding washing during this time.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply toPurpleazalia

No you cannot "catch it" - but your link says this -

"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."

Which is what, I think you'll find, is I said in my reply.

Purpleazalia profile image
Purpleazalia in reply toDorsetLady

The next paragraph reads 'This can be because of stress, certain conditions, or treatments such as chemotherapy'.

My interpretation of this is different to yours. I think if it could be triggered (reactivated) by contact with someone with chicken pox the NHS would have mentioned it 🤔

piglette profile image
piglette

My next door neighbour’s grandson had chicken pox. My doctor said as I had had chicken pox I was OK.

Fetlar73 profile image
Fetlar73

Thank you everyone for your replies. Really appreciate all your knowledge.

So comforting to have you all here.

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