Chris asks…
If I’ve had the Varicella vaccine, can I be around someone with shingles?
I’ve never had chickenpox, but I have had the Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. I got the vaccine when it was first developed (’95) but I have only had one dose of it, which according to the CDC, means I have not established immunity.
I want to spend Easter with my husband’s family but my mother-in-law got Shingles a few weeks ago. Even though her doctor said she was not contagious and can return to work this Wednesday, she still has a rash.
Would it be safe to be with her this upcoming weekend?
admin answers:
You are not necessarily protected from chickenpox. Even people with 2 doses of the vaccine can still get it. Only having the disease gives true immunity, and unfortunately, you did not get it during childhood.
But don’t worry about the Easter visit. Unless you come into contact with the fluid from the shingles blisters, you can’t get chickenpox from your mother-in-law.
Daniel asks…
When Is Chicken Pox No longer Contagious?
So my little sister nine years old got the chicken pox’s about the a week ago and she even had the vaccine to prevent it but still got that’s because her mom(not my Mom By the way) had the shingles so she was exposed quite often so I stayed at my actual moms house for a few extra days so I would not be exposed I had. so I came over yesterday and according to my dad she did not get a very bad case of it and I have been around her quite abit today but I am still a little superstitious about it. It looks like all of them have scabbed over but I want to know if she is know longer contagious and what my chances of getting it are if she still has it. my dad told me she has not gotten any more bumps since like Wednesday. I have had the vaccine and I have a very strong immune system I very rarely get sick. also since I have not been around this home for a couple days should I clean any of my stuff off.
admin answers:
Chicken pox is no longer contagious after all the lesions have scabbed over, this is usually about a week after the rash first appears.
Paul asks…
chicken pox contagious?
I had the chicken pox when I was a kid but it was a mild case. Can I still get it again from someone who now has it if I only had a mild case? I also had shingles when I was a kid.
admin answers:
You obviously carry VZV in your body. VZV is varicella zoster virus and is the virus responsible for both chicken pox and herpes zoster (what you’re calling “shingles”). I wouldn’t worry about chicken pox if I were you. You’re beyond that now. Be more concerned about herpes zoster. You could have more outbreaks.
“dbraunofva” has it a little mixed up. There’s no herpes zoster virus. As I said, varicella zoster virus causes both chicken pox and herpes zoster. When someone has a case of chicken pox, sometimes the body is able to clear the virus but if it can’t, there’s a possibility that herpes zoster may develop later on. It’s not a certainty, but a possibility. After chicken pox resolves, if the body was unable to clear it, the VZV retreats into spinal nerve tissue and goes dormant. Sometimes the virus is reawakened, reactivated during a time of severe stress as with an illness. While this often occurs in older adults, as you know from experience, herpes zoster outbreaks can and do occur in children, teens and young adults. They tend to occur in cycles and, unfortunately at this time, there’s no cure and no way to rid the body of VZV.
If you’ve had chicken pox AND a herpes zoster outbreak, you have the antibodies. That’s guaranteed. No amount of blood draws are going to change that.
Sandra asks…
I got diagnosed with Shingles yesterday….?
I have come into work as I was told it isnt contagious unless people come into contact with the area (which is on my back and obviously covered).
I feel okay apart from a bit of pain in my pain (site of pain)… should I expect to feel worse as it progresses??
admin answers:
Yes, expect to feel worst before it feels better. Take time and get plenty of R&R and take your medicine.
Linda asks…
I have shingles?
Am I contagious? Am I just contagious to those that have never had chicken pox? My doctor didn’t say and I forgot to ask.
admin answers:
You could be contagious to people who haven’t had chicken pox. You should also stay clear of pregnant women b/c shingles can harm their baby.
Feel better!
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