Dr Fett, anyone? Need answers quick! Shingles?

[LovinLife]

Am I OK to be around someone who has shingles? I have had chickenpox and shingles myself....shingles a few times. My friend Leah is having her baby today (she's 29 weeks) and her mom found out ab a week and a half ago that she has shingles. Will it be safe for me to be around her? She's having the baby at 4 and I'll love to go, but i can't risk my health. I just know they specifically tested me for this bc of PPCM, so I wouldn't want it to cause it to flare back up since I'm only 4 months out....can anyone help?

[iluvmy2lilboyz]

I don't know but her mom should not be at the hospital for the birth if she has shingles! That's NOT a good idea and I'm not sure why they'd even let her be there.

[SerenaWelsh]

No answers, but best wishes for your friend, her baby, and the grandma.

[JAMESFETT]

Chickenpox virus can be shed from individuals with chickenpox and/or shingles. Most people who develop shingles develop it from latent chickenpox virus within themselves, not from outside exposure. Theoretically, you would be resistant, but not for sure. To be more safe, it is best not to expose yourself to known live chickenpox virus. Vaccine against shingles is quite effective.

JD

[LovinLife]

I had a mild case of chickenpox as a child and then have had shingles a few times...they say you're only supposed to get them once though....so I don't quite understand why I got them over and over. That's what concerned me, bc I SHOULD be immuned, but I still got them several times during exam time in college. I called and she said the rash isn't even there anymore, she just has a tingling sensation left...which mine stayed like that for months. So I'm thinking she shouldn't be contagious....I'm going to go up there when she's not there...and if she happens to be, I'll just keep my distance. I had the titer and it showed I had chickenpox.

I had already been in the room and on the same chairs etc that she had been on before she realized it was shingles, so hopefully that means I'm in the clear...it was last week, so I hope something would've shown up by now.

Thanks for such quick answers everyone! I'll be sure to avoid her just in case. And everyone please pray for the mom and baby....the baby has fluid around his heart and the mom is showing signs of infection. 29 weeks is VERY early! But they've given the baby at 97% survival....unless they aren't as hopeful since they found fluid around the heart. Who knows...either way, keep them in your thoughts and prayers! Thanks!

[Tara423]

Im sure Leah has had her baby by now! I hope everything went well! Please let me know.

[SerenaWelsh]

Tish,

Cate's a 27 weeker. 29 is very viable, though scary and great risk of complications. In capable hands, I'm sure both will do well...hoping and wishing for that!
keep your heads up...it's a long road ahead...The wait for everything to be "ok" seems much longer out of the womb than in.