Shingles

Mrs Merlot · November 2009

I feel like a complete brat because I told my mom that DD and I would come down and stay the weekend for a visit. Mom mentioned that my aunt and cousin would be staying too, which would be fine, except my cousin has shingles.

I know I can't catch them (I've had chicken pox) and DD had the chicken pox vaccine, but I'm still not comfortable with staying if my cousin is there. I told mom this and she said that she's not comfortable with it either. I don't know if mom is going to say anything to my aunt or cousin about it.

WWYD? Go and stay because DD really misses her grandma, or stay home where it's safe(r)?

eileenberg · November 2009

I had the Shingles last year during Thanksgiving and I was told that if there was a child that had not yet gotten the Chicken pox that I should not be around them. It is highly contagious around children AND pregnant women. And it is very painful. I would not go.

dstar · November 2009

If you don't feel comfortable, don't go.

misma09 · November 2009

The only contageous areas on her are the sores themselves. Just don't touch the infected areas, or use the same bath towels, clothes, or bed sheets as her and you will be fine. It's not airborne. That's what the dr told my bro when he had them.

lovinfall · November 2009

Stay home.

IrishBrideND · November 2009

Just because you've had chicken pox doesn't mean you can't catch shingles. Shingles is round 2 of CP.

But as long as you don't touch the sores, you should be fine.

sophie206 · November 2009

Personally, I'd go anyway. My Grandma suffered from shingles for several years and I (and the rest of the family) spent a lot of time with her without any issues...

Of course I wasn't pregnant at the time, so if you're not comfortable with the risk then stay home.

mjm123 · November 2009

If you know you can't catch them, I don't know why you would be worried. It sounds like you know that shingles is only contagious, as chicken pox, to people who haven't had chicken pox. That said, if you know you're going to be worried the whole time, why go? You won't enjoy yourself.

bobbidall · November 2009

Check with your doctor, IMO. If he/she says its okay then go for it.

ditzydi_2000 · November 2009

I'd stay at home. I'm sure your mom will think of something to say that won't make them feel bad. We're having that problem too. DH's aunt has shingles right now and we're thinkign we'll be avoiding them for Turkey day now.

sadiwest · November 2009

IrishBrideND:

Just because you've had chicken pox doesn't mean you can't catch shingles. Shingles is round 2 of CP.

Was going to say the same thing. Having had CP doesn't make you immune. Either way, if you're unsure, stay home. Better safe......

eileenberg · November 2009

sadiwest:
IrishBrideND:

Just because you've had chicken pox doesn't mean you can't catch shingles. Shingles is round 2 of CP.

Was going to say the same thing. Having had CP doesn't make you immune. Either way, if you're unsure, stay home. Better safe......

My Doc told me that if you have had chicken pox you are not suseptiable(sp?) to shingles. But if you have had the CP vaccine and NOT had Chicken Pox you could get shingles. I got them because of nerve testing done in my back. I would call your doctor, bc either way your baby has not had the vaccine or cp. Good luck!

murphy420 · November 2009

I had chicken pox when I was young, and shingles a few years back. I was off work for a week as my doctor said anyone at my work that hasnt had chicken pox, or has kids that hasn't had chicken pox could be at risk. Shingle is no fun. Not only did I have the bumps, but I couldnt turn my head at all to the left, and the medication was $80 even with medical coverage. I would stay clear on anyone with Shingle, better to be safe than sorry.

cutekissis101 · November 2009

I had shingles last week. It was sucky but not really a big deal. BUT man am i glad its gone.

cutekissis101 · November 2009

Oh and you can still get shingles. I had it and still got shingles. If your imune system is low or there is a lot of physical strain on your body then you can get it, and being pregnant is a physical strain on the body.

IrishBrideND · November 2009

eileenberg:
sadiwest:
IrishBrideND:

Just because you've had chicken pox doesn't mean you can't catch shingles. Shingles is round 2 of CP.

Was going to say the same thing. Having had CP doesn't make you immune. Either way, if you're unsure, stay home. Better safe......

My Doc told me that if you have had chicken pox you are not suseptiable(sp?) to shingles. But if you have had the CP vaccine and NOT had Chicken Pox you could get shingles. I got them because of nerve testing done in my back. I would call your doctor, bc either way your baby has not had the vaccine or cp. Good luck!

Every single person I know who has had Shingles has had CP first.

Causes

After you get chickenpox, the virus falls asleep (becomes dormant) in certain nerves in the body. Shingles occurs after the virus becomes reactive in these nerves after many years.

sddriggs · November 2009

I would not go if I were you. My father just recently had shingles. When the doctor diagnosed him, she told him to stay away from pregnant women.

missyjg · November 2009

Shingles is a type of the Herpes simplex virus. In 2006 my sister, who was frequented with Shingles but had chicken pox before, was diagnosed with herpes simplex encephalitis during her 27 week of pregnancy. She was hospitalized for weeks and unfortunately had to undergo surgery to allow her brain to swell and to releave the pressure. Baby was born fine at 35 weeks via c-section while my sister was in a coma. Dylan was born with no problems but my sister...not so much. She had suffered brain damage and is now living in a group home. Please be aware that this is VERY RARE... But not impossible.

Moral of the story.... Trust your gut and what your doctor says... call your doctor, if they advise against it then you don't have to feel like a brat b/c you have a legit reason for not going! But if your doc says it's ok, than do so unless your gut says no. That maternal instinct and everything! Good luck!

eileenberg · November 2009

missyjg:

Shingles is a type of the Herpes simplex virus. In 2006 my sister, who was frequented with Shingles but had chicken pox before, was diagnosed with herpes simplex encephalitis during her 27 week of pregnancy. She was hospitalized for weeks and unfortunately had to undergo surgery to allow her brain to swell and to releave the pressure. Baby was born fine at 35 weeks via c-section while my sister was in a coma. Dylan was born with no problems but my sister...not so much. She had suffered brain damage and is now living in a group home. Please be aware that this is VERY RARE... But not impossible.

Moral of the story.... Trust your gut and what your doctor says... call your doctor, if they advise against it then you don't have to feel like a brat b/c you have a legit reason for not going! But if your doc says it's ok, than do so unless your gut says no. That maternal instinct and everything! Good luck!

OMG I am so sorry to hear this about your sister.I know this is rare, but I'm glad you shared your story that situations like this can happen. T&P to you!

missal5 · November 2009

my MIL had them last year and My DS was around here...I was still kinda so so about the whole idea but ya never know how well the pox shot works...I just found out this summer they issued another round of the shot Bc they are finding out some kids are still getting them.....

Unknown · November 2009

I had chicken pox when I was a baby...maybe 9 months old? I had the shingles when I was 3.

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