So, a quick one.
Currently on 8mg of steroids and my daughter has just been diagnosed with shingles 🤦♂️.
I have had chickenpox before and am away currently until Wednesday.
What precautions should I take to avoid transmission? I read I should avoid people with the virus but that's not really practical for me.
I'm 50, if that's relevant.
Cheers as always
Paul
If she has blisters on her shingles, take great care that you don't come into contact with the rash and especially the fluid in the blisters because that is where the virus lodges. Technically, since you have had CP you are not at risk of CP anyway - but it COULD reactivate YOUR viral load which is also dormant in nerve endings and you develop shingles. The rash is mostly on areas covered with clothing so I would say don't handle her clothing and avoid close cuddles until the blisters are all crusted over. She shouldn't be shedding virus any other way.
Thanks PMRpro
It's her face mainly but yes, I'll be giving her a wide berth.
I just got back today and she looks pretty bad.
Very strange to get this at 16 isn't it?
Who knows
You can get it at any age after having had CP. Bless her though - that is really mean. It suggests that her immune system isn't very robust - has she had any medical problems? And is she eating a REALLY good diet? No fads, no restricted foods?
Theoretically if you have already had chicken pox you should be OK, but I would take PMRPro’s advice. Have you had the shingles vaccine?
You should have the vaccination. It's not a live vaccine and shouldn’t give you any problems. Under 65s normally have to pay but as you are “immuno compromised “ you should be able to get it for free (in the UK).
They are a bit funny about ages though - even if you are considered compromised.
Not quite as easy as that -may depend on how immunocompromised you are. -ie. What dose of Pred . If age related, based on when your birthday falls . As a few have discovered.
Slobs????
😂🤣
Thought it might be a new HCP grade ...
Couldn’t possibly comment on that.. although most of them are better than some of the other staff in surgery. But my surgery is very good -when I read some comments on here I shudder!
Me too!!
Yes, this is the second time it's come up.....may be I should look into this
You may struggle - as you are in your 50s you won't be automatically included, so it then depends on dose of Pred and/or other immunosuppressant drugs you are on.
See attached - page 7 refers.
As a nurse I can tell you that shingles is only transmissible through direct contact with skin lesions, hands that have scratched the lesions, or contaminated clothing, towels, and bedding. It is not passed through airborne respiratory means the way chickenpox is. You can safely be together without physical contact. Wear gloves for handling contaminated laundry and do not share towels.
Shingles vaccine
Shingles
Shingles
Shingles vaccination
Allergic reaction
