Shingles

[xminniex]

My best friend has shingles. She got them about 9 days ago. She thinks that when the scabs have cleared up it's no longer contagious because it's just from touching. However the nhs website calls it a virus which leads me to think it's airborne and why would it say stay away from pregnant women and babies don't come into contact with them surely it would say don't touch them ?! It says 2-4 weeks before the virus goes on the website. She thinks otherwise. I don't want to risk anything. I have a baby shower coming up next week. Should I tell her not to come or cancel it? But I don't want to upset her or make her feel diseased either. What would you do or say ?

 

[Jazzy.fizzle]

shingles is a skin condition. its not airborn. you shouldn't be in contact with anyone who has shingles or been in contact with shingles for a certain amount of time after treatment.
I'd see how she is next week before making a decision. x

 

[starryeyes]

I would call your midwife and make her make the decision! I haven't had a reason to call my mw outside of the appointments I've had and don't know if this is a viable reason but I think so. It is important you get the correct advice. And if it was me I would be thinking I want to say don't come cos of the risk but wouldn't have the balls cos I would be worried about hurting their feelings and also coming across like a pregnant princess!

That probably isn't much help! Good luck!

 

[Mummybexee]

My friend had them when she was in tri 3 - baby was just fine

I was around her and didn't catch them

Her rash was mainly on her legs and tummy so was tucked away

Maybe speak to your midwife x

 

[iWitch]

Shingles is caused by the chicken pox virus....effectively it's dormant inside someone until triggered (from what I can remember when I researched when I came into contact a few years back). I hadn't had the pox at the time & never caught them. From what I understood, the chances are minimal of you getting the pox but I don't think you can catch shingles xx

 

[Crackers]

I didn't think you could actually "catch" shingles? Isn't it just a reaction to the chickenpox virus, if you've already had chickenpox?

So, in theory: your friend would've come into contact with the chickenpox virus but is already immune, having had chickenpox in the past. Her body reacts to the virus and it appears as shingles. But the shingles cannot be passed on.

No idea if you'd be at risk of chickenpox, or shingles itself. But definitely agree about checking with midwife x

 

[yolliss]

You cant catch shingles, its a strain from chicken pox. My 6 year old had shingles and my 4 year old had the pox, I was fine as I have had chicken pox therefore am immune.

It does no harm checking but im pretty sure your very safe xx

 

[Mummybexee]

There we go then! No wonder I didn't catch it haha

 

[xminniex]

I haven't ever had chicken pox though

 

[Nessa]

You can get chicken pox from being exposed to someone with shingles. My step dad caught shingles from our neighbour and I got chicken pox from him. I would definitely speak to your midwife or doctor, jst to minimise any risk to you and bubs. X

 

[leesey]

NHS advice: 'What if I'm pregnant and never had chickenpox?'

 

[SuffolkMum]

Hi hun, I am not immune to chickenpox and we've had a few confirmed cases at my sons nursery. My doctor had to ask a specialist at the hospital what I should do if I contract it as it's so rare to happen in pregnancy.

Basically, if my son develops the scabs, I am to have an emergency shot of varicella immunoglobulin to try and prevent me from catching it. Up to 28wks (I am 25wks) there is a small but potentially serious chance of my baby developing fetal varicella syndrome which can cause serious defects such as blindness, brain damage etc.

I see you are only a month away from having your baby. While this means he/she won't develop FVS, it is considered very serious for mum to show signs of chickenpox within 7 days before/after delivery as baby can catch it and it is particularly bad at the newborn age. If you were to catch it from your friend, you would probably start blistering right around that time, so it's very important you get medical advice ASAP.

You will probably be tested for immunity. If you are immune, you have nothing to worry about. But if you're not, you need to know if there are any risks from shingles rather than chickenpox directly.

I'm really sorry if my post seems scary, but I would rather you do everything you can to keep your baby safe. I've spent the last 3 weeks quite worried as it looks like it will be inevitable that my son gets it and I will end up infected too. xxx