Shingles! Eeek!

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

I know my last post was about poison ivy but this is something totally different.

If a friend has a shingles break out, but has been on medication for a week, should I still stay away from her?

KendraL86 · August 2013

You can't catch shingles. Here is a snipped from webmd: You can't catch shingles from someone else who has shingles. But there is a small chance that a person with a shingles rash can spread the virus to another person who hasn't had chickenpox and who hasn't gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

MyNameWasTaken · August 2013

Don't flip. Unless you've never had the chicken pox and haven't been vaccinated for it, you won't catch it. Otherwise, you're already carrying the virus, so you can't "re-catch" it, and you're body will more than likely successfully suppress it for the rest of your life.

ETA: clarity

jjt616 · August 2013

I was around my cousin who had shingles. I didn't know at the time but when she found out she had them she called me right away so that I knew and could call my dr. The dr said that I should be ok because I had chicken pox before and to just stay away until they scabbed just to be on the safe side.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

MyNameWasTaken said:
Don't flip. Unless you've never had the chicken pox and haven't been vaccinated for it, you won't catch it. Otherwise, you're already carrying the virus, so you can't "re-catch" it, and you're body will more than likely successfully suppress it for the rest of your life.

ETA: clarity

This is not accurate at all. The three people I know (my age) that have had shingles all had chicken pox. Then later in life (20's) caught the shingles virus. Are you saying these people are anatomical anomalies and I happen to know all three of them? Also telling me not to "flip" is not helping anything.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

KendraL86 said:
You can't catch shingles. Here is a snipped from webmd: You can't catch shingles from someone else who has shingles. But there is a small chance that a person with a shingles rash can spread the virus to another person who hasn't had chickenpox and who hasn't gotten the chickenpox vaccine.

Again, every person my age I know who has or has recently has shingles all had chicken pox. So how is that accurate? One of them is my husband. He has chicken pox as a child and got shingles in 2009 @ the age of 27. So I don't understand.

KendraL86 · August 2013

Call and ask your OB first thing in the morning. It will give you peace of mind than an online forum cannot.

Dr. Google has never treated me well or calmed my anxiety.

azmama20 · August 2013

It is possible to catch it, if you have already had chicken pox or had the vaccine. Chances are slimmer, but you can still get it. I would avoid your friend until the rash/sores heal up, as that's when it is contagious.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

A person must have already had chickenpox in the past to develop shingles. A person can not get shingles from a person that has it. However, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated through direct contact with the rash. The person exposed would develop chickenpox, not shingles. The virus is not spread through sneezing, coughing or casual contact. A person with shingles can spread the disease when the rash is in the blister-phase. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious. A person is not infectious before blisters appear or if pain persists after the rash is gone (post-herpetic neuralgia).

I looked it up. It won't spread by contact but you can absolutely develop shingles if you've had chicken pox. It just doesn't "spread" by contact.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

rfred20 said:
It is possible to catch it, if you have already had chicken pox or had the vaccine. Chances are slimmer, but you can still get it. I would avoid your friend until the rash/sores heal up, as that's when it is contagious.

This seems more accurate. I think I need to just stay away. $:\$

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

I didn't know the answer. I was hoping someone here would know or had experience with this topic. I had to look it up. Most of you "not being doctors" is clear...thanks.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

Really? Each person? Glad you're reading this accurately. Thanks for your opinions.

dannie2011 · August 2013

My husband got into some poison ivy. He was under extra stress from work he ended up getting shingles. I can definitely relate to worrying.

MyNameWasTaken · August 2013

JuliaAndPete said:

Don't flip. Unless you've never had the chicken pox and haven't been vaccinated for it, you won't catch it. Otherwise, you're already carrying the virus, so you can't "re-catch" it, and you're body will more than likely successfully suppress it for the rest of your life.

ETA: clarity
This is not accurate at all. The three people I know (my age) that have had shingles all had chicken pox. Then later in life (20's) caught the shingles virus. Are you saying these people are anatomical anomalies and I happen to know all three of them? Also telling me not to "flip" is not helping anything.

Yes. Because they already carry the virus. It is a part of the Herpes family--once you have it, you have it for life. Most people can successfully suppress the virus throughout their lives, but in some, the virus is "reactivated" and flares up, just like with oral herpes or genital herpes.

I've had shingles. I know full well what it is and how it works. You can't catch it from me if you already carry the virus.

Again, quit flipping. Because flipping your shit doesn't help, either.

MyNameWasTaken · August 2013

JuliaAndPete said:
A person must have already had chickenpox in the past to develop shingles. A person can not get shingles from a person that has it. However, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated through direct contact with the rash. The person exposed would develop chickenpox, not shingles. The virus is not spread through sneezing, coughing or casual contact. A person with shingles can spread the disease when the rash is in the blister-phase. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious. A person is not infectious before blisters appear or if pain persists after the rash is gone (post-herpetic neuralgia).

Not sure how I missed this comment earlier before replying, but whatever. Yes, all of this is true. Which means that if you already carry the Herpes Zoster virus, from either contracting the Chicken pox or by having the vaccine, no, you cannot "catch" it from a person with a shingles outbreak. You just can't. You already have it. Think of the chicken pox/shingles virus as oral herpes--once you have it, you've always got it, you can spread it to others who don't have it, but you cannot spread it to others who already do. But the great majority of people who contract Herpes Zoster will never have another flare up again--their bodies will easily suppress it. And the ones who do have another flare up, will likely not have repeated flare ups; if they do have more than one outbreak, it's really uncommon to have more than two in their lifetime.

Maybe that makes it clearer?

Unknown · August 2013

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JuliaAndPete · August 2013

Wow

MyNameWasTaken · August 2013

Oh look! I got flagged for abuse! Please, show me where I violated TOS.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

I guess you'll watch your language then. I've finally learned about trolling. Hope you get a life soon, sailor mouth troll.

JuliaAndPete · August 2013

I'm gunna live my life now. Hope you all enjoy your trolling.

MyNameWasTaken · August 2013

@juliaandpete I'm not a troll, genius, so no, I'm thinking you still haven't quite figured out what that means. And no, flagging me for abuse won't stop me from cursing. lol Because cursing is allowed, did you not figure that out when TB stopped censoring out the curse words?

Ah yes. I love the "I'm out so I can go live my lyfe!" posts. I mean, I bet you'll never check this thread ever again. *smirk*

MyNameWasTaken · August 2013

Well, clearly cursing=trolling, according to OP.

Anyhow, I will unbend a bit and admit that yes, it is possible to catch the virus if you've been vaccinated but have not otherwise had exposure to it. I said it earlier like there was no way possible in that event.

imakeeff0rts · August 2013

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12027782/rudest-or-most-bizarre-advice-you-ve-received/p2

Have at it.

catmw21 · August 2013

OP. I'm not positive, but I think even if you are not at risk, your unborn baby may be. I had shingles last year and my pregnant doctor could not see me and sent in another doctor. My understanding is also that you can't catch it from someone else you have had chicken pox or the vaccine, but your unborn baby hasn't had either of those. That may be crazy talk, but the only other reason I can think of is that I think pregnant women may be considered immunocompromised? There was a reason she couldn't see me.

Also, I think there was a second part to your question regarding if you or your baby are at risk, then how long after your friend started taking the medication would she be no longer contagious. I don't remember exactly how long the doctor said when I asked, but I 5-7 days is ringing a bell. I think it definitely warrants a call to your doctor. I'd stay away for now. Shingles is no fun. Hope you get a good answer soon.

catmw21 · August 2013

AFwifelife said:

catmw21 said:

OP. I'm not positive, but I think even if you are not at risk, your unborn baby may be. I had shingles last year and my pregnant doctor could not see me and sent in another doctor. My understanding is also that you can't catch it from someone else you have had chicken pox or the vaccine, but your unborn baby hasn't had either of those. That may be crazy talk, but the only other reason I can think of is that I think pregnant women may be considered immunocompromised? There was a reason she couldn't see me.

Also, I think there was a second part to your question regarding if you or your baby are at risk, then how long after your friend started taking the medication would she be no longer contagious. I don't remember exactly how long the doctor said when I asked, but I 5-7 days is ringing a bell. I think it definitely warrants a call to your doctor. I'd stay away for now. Shingles is no fun. Hope you get a good answer soon.

I don't think the baby can catch it. I had the chicken pox when my mom was pregnant with my sister and her doctor was only concerned as to whether my mom already had the chicken pox or not. My mom still was able to take care of me.

Yeah, you may be right. I can't imagine why the doctor would have avoided me unless she wasn't vaccinated but I'm sure she is required. Hmmm...it is a little confusing I think. Found this though?: https://www.webmd.com/baby/shingles-during-pregnancy?page=2

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