Can a person with PSP be near a kid with Chickenpox?

[Sky2]

Hi, Does anyone known if a person with PSP can be near a child who has chickenpox. The person with PSP has had chickenpox in the past.

It's my dad who has PSP and he wants to come around my sisters house for dinner but my nephew has chickenpox. We're not sure if dad should come over. Thanks

[SharonAB]

Dear Sky2,

Last year our 10 year daughter had chicken pox at this time. Though Chloe was immunised she still contracted it. Fortunately it was not as bad as what I recall with me as a child. Her father has PSP. At the time he was not living with us, however Chloe was still normally in contact with him each day. I asked two doctors what should I do (at the same clinic), and both advised it was not in John's interests to be with her. They also asked if John had been in contact with her before the visit - and were very happy to hear that Chloe hadn't been in contact for three days before because she was feeling unwell and very tired.

Both recommended if John, was living with us, it would have been a good ideas to live separately til Chloe was no longer contagious which was for about 3 weeks. (Chloe vomited at the doctors surgery so that probably added to their concern!) Each advised me to play safe as if John had cancer and his immune system was suppressed, and the pharmacist said the same. John had chicken pox as a child, and they didn't think it was a factor that mattered - it was more the close contact and what his immune system is now like.

Chloe's father was not happy to be informed, and said his neurologist thought physical separation was unnecessary. I asked for the neurologist to give me phone call or put something in writing. I didn't receive either and the time sooon passed.

Regards,

Alana - Western Australia

N.B. The reason I recall the dates so well is because my daughter missed a birthday party, and she has just received an invite for this year.

[Hidden]

Shingle s normally develops during stress if you have already had chicken pox

However given the low immunity to infection psp brings I would err on the safe side and keep away until the spots have scabbed over

Mum had shingles triggered by getting accidentally scorched under the hairdryer as she had reduced pain sensation

Fortunately the same high pain threshold meant she didn't have too much pain from the shingles.

[Sky2 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Alana and Daughterno1

After reading on the NHS website about Chicken pox and with regards to people with PSP having a low immune system we kept dad away from my nephew. After reading both of your replies I think I made the right decision, so thanks very much for your comments. As you both know people living with this horrible PSP disease you try not too take things away from them that they enjoy and my dad loves spending time with the family especially the children. But its better that he stay clears for a couple of weeks than getting ill himself. Once again thanks very much to you both.

Esther