i have wg ,a close relative has just got inf... - Vasculitis UK
i have wg ,a close relative has just got infected with shingles.how long should i stay away from my relative
While ever there is evidence of active shingles. Do consult your doctor/GP about this.
I have had shingles so did some research into this myself.
People with shingles are infectious until their rash has crusted over and is no longer weeping.
Once the rash breaks out and starts weeping it should be covered up at all times to stop the virus spreading.
Have you had chickenpox before? If so you would normally be ok, although there is a chance that an immunosuppressed person can catch chickenpox a second time, e.g. from catching the virus from someone with shingles. I caught chickenpox for the first time aged 25, on lots of immunosuppressive drugs, from someone unknown, but most likely someone with shingles. Then two years ago, aged 37, I developed shingles, as the virus reactivated.
Once an episode of chickenpox has resolved, the virus is not eliminated from the body but can go on to cause shingles.So if the immune system is suppresed, the virus can kick start it`s self. It happend to me, three months into treatment & my specialist was not suprised, he had seen it a few times before.
You have my sympathy, it can be ******* painfull !!!
tony
