friend has shingles - advice please

[MalloryMoss]

hi,

Can I have some advice please.

my friend who is a beautician is scheduled to do a facial & nails for me tomorrow. I’ve had chicken pox and her Dr has said she shouldn’t pass it in because it’s on her bottom and she won’t be touching it so in that respect it’s in a good place.

Any thoughts?

Thank you!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Personally I'd give the treatment a miss until your friend is clear of shingles...just to be really safe.

[MalloryMoss in reply to DorsetLady]

thanks for your advice DorsetLady

[Sophiestree]

I had shingles and was told the same thing, that unless someone touches your sores then they will be fine. My daughter came nowhere near me and got Chicken Pox at 18 when she was taking her A levels.....

I would, like DorsetLady, avoid.

[MalloryMoss in reply to Sophiestree]

oh I hope that was just coincidence, but we'll never know. My Dad had it in his 70's, he carried on as normal and I saw him a lot but didn't get it 🤷‍♀️

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I can't believe she doesn't touch it at all!!! If she wears gloves and does proper aseptic technique the risk is small, but not zero, You've had CP - question is, would her shingles wake it up so YOU developed shingles? Don't think anyone really knows.

[MalloryMoss]

thanks for your opinion PMRPro, she hasn't got blisters, just the rash, she would wear gloves to do my nails, I've decided not to have the facial but will have my nails done with her wearing gloves that she will put on when I'm there, that way I should be protected. The facial can wait for another day. I'm pleased she thought enough of me to tell me.

[2013mayo]

my doctor told me not to go anywhere near my husband who has a weak immune system years ago. I also got it in hospital and was put in a side room as I might come into contact with someone who’s never had chicken pox. If I was you I’d wait until she’s better.

[MalloryMoss in reply to 2013mayo]

Gosh it’s pretty serious, thanks for your advice

[Gimme]

Personally, I wouldn't take the risk, even in the low dose that I am on.

[Snoopy7 in reply to Gimme]

Definitely cancel. Shingles and the after pain is awful I can assure you. DO NOT take the risk.

[MalloryMoss in reply to Snoopy7]

Thank you for your advice. I really hope my friend recovers well, she’s been given anti viral drugs which her Dr told her needs to be given within the first 3 days to be effective.

[yogabonnie]

Have you had the shingles shot? If not! get it! and I agree. Cancel no matter what. Good question!

[MalloryMoss in reply to yogabonnie]

Hi yogabunnie, thank you for your opinion, if I've had chicken pox do I need the shingles jab?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to MalloryMoss]

Would be sensible .. see this - you may or you may not be affected, but no point in risking it -

What You Need to Know

People develop shingles when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in their bodies after they have already had chickenpox.

[MalloryMoss in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to MalloryMoss]

You need the shingles jab BECAUSE you have had CP. If you hadn't had CP you couldn't develop shingles. Shingles is the reawakening of the virus that remains dormant in the body after CP.

[MalloryMoss in reply to PMRpro]

Oh wow I had no idea! Ok good call thank you

[yogabonnie]

what PMRpro said! yes you need it. I had it and no side effects other than relief! my daughter had shingles in her eye and face and had a little paralysis for a few months... very painful. Get the shot!

[MalloryMoss]

ok hear you loud and clear, Thank you