My mother in law has shingles??

Meganlm0409

My mother in law was supposed to come in to town today for thanksgiving but called us last night to tell us she has shingles. She is on medication but is scared to come visit. I am six months pregnant today. Does anyone know anything about this? Is she contagious? I've had chicken pox and I've heard that as long as I've had the virus I should be alright but my husband is really nervous about me coming into contact with her. I've put in a call to my doctor but wanted to check with anyone on here as well. Thoughts?

kynbar5

Shingles are contagious and pregnancy also gives you a weakened immune system. My aunt recently had shingles and my OB told me to stay away from her until a few days AFTER it had all cleared up. You can also check with your doctor. All having had chicken pox does is leave the shingles virus dormant in your system. So yes, you can easily get shingles.
Edited spelling.

criggan

I had both chicken pox and singles, and so has my father. Don't let anyone tell you you can't have both. I'd say it's probably best to have her stay away until she's better.

HereComesTheSun10

Shingles is one of the viruses that can be transmitted to your baby and can cause serious long term defects. You should stay away while she has active infection/shingles.

lightrox

My mom had shingles when I was pregnant with my first and both of our doctor's explained as long as you don't touch her sores you are fine also if you've had the chicken pox you are immune you will not contract shingles from the person it is something your body produces on its own since the virus lives inside of you. Contraction for the baby is rare which is why they tell you not to touch their sores. She should be fine to visit.

bntfroggie

I think since there isn't a clear answer on this, maybe you should call your doctor and see what they think.  I hope your MIL feels better soon, shingles is so awful.

Parker16772

I would call your doctor. I had shingles in April and we had to delay TTC because of it. What I read and was told is you can't give anyone shingles you could only give them the chicken pox if they had not previously had it. I would tell you not to worry except for the fact that you are pregnant.  My doctor did tell me absolutely do not go around anyone pregnant, babies (that were too young to have their chicken pox vaccine) or elderly due to the fact that their immune system is compromised/weak. It was no longer contagious when the bumps were scabbed over I was treated within two days of the outbreak and that still took about 10 days. Personally I wouldn't feel comfortable. Your mother in law should understand. 

JessKo08

You need to ask your OB for their advice. @lightrox has it pretty spot on. Shingles is not contagious, however it can be passed on as chickenpox to someone who has not had chickenpox. Shingles is something that the chickenpox virus leaves behind and hangs out dormant in your body, until there's a weakening in your immune system- that's when you're most likely to develop as shingles. As you state you've had chickenpox so you're likely not at risk, for those in your house who have not had chickenpox or are not vaccinated; as long as the sores are scabbed over they're no longer contagious and won't pass on chickenpox. But again, it's important you ask your OB who knows you and your medical history.

cmerribury

Actually, I'm pretty sure you can only get shingles if you've had Chicken Pox. I'd postpone the visit for sure.

ETA: It's possible to have chicken pox more than once...I did. Once as a child and once as a teenager.

irenewslee

Oh yes you can have both.  My brother had both.  He got shingles when DD was born and I wouldn't let him come visit until he was sure that he is 100% recovered.  I would say don't risk it.  Better be safe than sorry. I'm sure she will understand and she is probably in a lot of pain that she needs to stay rested.

HereComesTheSun10

The same virus causes shingles and chicken pox. Shingles is due to reactivation of the virus where it hides in nerve cells. The sores can contain live virus.

While the shingles vesicles are present patients are contagious. Until the rash epithelialized the patient with shingles would be contagious.

It's one of the viruses capable of vertical transmission. I would err on the side of caution and stay away until the rash was healing. The prospect of transmission would just drive me mad worrying.

I agree, talk to your doc and see what he/she recommends.

Torpedogirl

Shingles is not contagious as in you can't get shingles from someone with shingles. If you haven't had chicken pox (your babe) and are around someone with shingles you get chicken pox. Pregnant, elderly without every having chicken pox, and low immune people that haven't had chicken pox before need to stay away until the lesions are dry and healing. She should absolutely stay away until they are gone.

kotastar14

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/about/transmission.html

Some basic information on shingles/ pregnancy. I work in health care and typically as a precaution it is advised for pregnant woman to avoid those with active shingles virus.

rbanksgilbert

You need to stay away from her and anyone who lives with her. It is highly contagious and bad for pregnant women (or anybody, for that record). Don't risk it!

Meganlm0409

Hi everyone. Thanks for all of the responses. My doctor follows the CDC guidelines and said as long as I've had chicken pox and her shingles (which are on her scalp, which my doctor said is also good for me because it would be difficult to come in contact with them) are scabbed over I cannot contract the virus nor pass it on to the baby. We are still playing it safe so she is going to wait several days before she gets here and to be honest I'm just not going to touch her. My doctor said that was the safest bet since the only way it can spread is through actual contact. I'm glad she can still come visit even if I don't plan on getting too close to her anyway just to be on the safe side! 

hellomylittleone

My husband developed shingles when I was very early pregnant, around 7 weekish. He spent 3 weeks sleeping on the couch and couldn't help me during that time when I was going through some nasty morning sickness until the sores had crusted over.
My MIL, is a nurse and said the same as what your doctor has. You will be fine, just don't touch.

Pleased to hear you will still get to spend family time together!

kimkim86

I would play it safe...

Meganlm0409

Well at the end of the day my MIL decided not to come...she doesn't want to risk it just in case. We will see her over Christmas though so it works out! Thanks for all the suggestions and advice everyone.