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Can't get Shingles from Shingles. Really???

Posted , 6 users are following.

cherrypop
cherrypop

Hi all, I've just been diagnosed with Shingles. I have been told you can't get Shingles from Shingles, only chicken pox from shingles. But I am the third person in work in a week to come down with Shingles. If you can't get Shingles from shingles, how come so many people in work have it?? Any ideas anyone?? Thanks xxx

2 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

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  • Ellie1943
    Ellie1943 cherrypop

    Posted

    Maybe you're all very run down or post viral, (some other virus)! I'd had the flu last Winter and started with shingles a few weeks later. You can pass chicken pox on to a person who has never had it though! The fluid in the blisters is where the infection lies so keep it covered until it dries up if it's in a visible place. I'm sure others will reply to you with plenty of info on the subject. Best wishes, Ellie UK confused
  • june11246
    june11246 cherrypop

    Posted

    shingles are contagious in the first stages, so yes, you can get them from others.  Usually, only if you touch the area of infection
  • Merry19451
    Merry19451 cherrypop

    Posted

    Hi Cherrypop,

    First of all, one can only transmit the Herpes Zoster virus infection to naive persons who have never been infected with the Herpes Zoster virus. They then get varicella aka chickenpox. Shingles or Herpes Zoster occurs once one has been infected with chickenpox and the virus lays dormant inside the body until stressed, then is activated when one is stressed. Both chicken and Shingles are infectious to others who have not yet been infected with chickenpox.

    I hope you started on antivirals within three days of onset of the rash and also have major analgesics ie narcotics.

    Usually Shingles affects people who are older, immunocompromised with autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Psoriasis, ITP, Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögrens Syndrome, are on Prednisone, or have cancer. People who are stressed can get Shingles, as well.

    The fact that three people at work have gotten shingles may mean you are in the age group that tends to be at risk, under stress at work and or home, have underlying health disorders. You absolutely did not catch it from each other.

    I am an NP stateside and also have had Shingles for the last 19 years every 3-5 weeks in my right ear.

    I hope this information helps you.

    Best Wishes to you and your colleagues at work.

    Merry Juliana

    • june11246
      june11246 Merry19451

      Posted

      ah, I had shingles in October of this year and yes, it can be contagious, if you touch the infected area..
    • wylee
      wylee Merry19451

      Posted

      Ramsay Hunt Syndrome every 3-5 weeks?  How awful!  I only had it once but still suffer with the residuals.  I take it you are not able to take daily antivirals to put the virus to bed?  The damage the zoster virus has done must be unreal!  How do you manage?
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 wylee

      Posted

      Dear Wylee,

      Thank you for responding. I tried the daily antivirals, and they did not suppress the Zoster. I try to nip it in the bud by taking Famvir as soon as I feel Ataxia and the first bit of headache... that being said, I have autoimmune diseases and breast cancer, caught early, rcently diagnosed, excellent prognosis, but each certainly has not helped with the recurrences. You learn to adapt with what you are dealt with in life. My given name is Merry, if that tells you anything how I deal with life's "adventures. "

      Best Wishes to you

      Merry Juliana

    • cherrypop
      cherrypop Merry19451

      Posted

      Hi Merry

      19 years of dealing with Shingles!! I hope someone has given you a medal. I am at total disbelief that in this day and age they have not found something that can stop your suffering and end the reaccurance. I read somewhere that once you get it once, you shouldn't get it again, but I guess that's total rubbish!! I take my hat of to you, for sharing your experiences and advising other people. Thank you xx

  • june11246
    june11246 cherrypop

    Posted

    it can be infectious, just be careful and don't let anyone touch your blisters.  I had shingles just last October, so I know.!!
    • Ellie1943
      Ellie1943 june11246

      Posted

      Only infectious to people who have NOT had chickenpox and pregnant mums as it could pass to their baby in the womb! It's the fluid in the blisters which are infectious to those people so it's neccessary to keep rash covered if it's in a place where it can be touched by others.  Merry is quite right in what she says, I've had it this year too, and now have post Herpetic Neuralgia or PHN. I'm 72 but younger people can get it for reasons stated above by Merry! Lots of GP's have little or NO knowledge of Shingles but we folk on this forum have done our homework to try and help ourselves recover more quickly. Not always possible though!  sad
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 Ellie1943

      Posted

      Dear Ellie,

      I am sorry for the PHN. I feel too many physicians are terribly ignorant re this disease, which leads to inadequate treatment. I am not sure if you and I have discussed your case individually before. Your name is familiar. I try to take up the slack on this site as the UK and the US both have excellent physicians and many more mediocre ones. If you would like to discuss the PHN more please respond on the website, as there are medications to help alleviate some of the excruciating pain.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

  • june11246
    june11246 cherrypop

    Posted

    not true, it is infectious if you touch the infected area!!!
    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 june11246

      Posted

      June,

      Please accept my apologies for the correction, but the following statements are true:

      Shingles is infectious or contagious to those individuals who have not yet had Chickenpox. You do not get a case of Shingles from the blisters / vesicles of a person who is infected with chickenpox or shingles. You get a case of ckickenpox, and only if you have never had chickenpox before. The varicella virus lives on the sensory nerve on your body only if you have had chickenpox previously, and by definition, flares through body's sensory nerves to the skin, thus causing the severe pain and rash. That is the definition and etiology of shingles.

      People with chickenpox are very contagious and should be isolated at home. Those with shingles often are better off at home until the vesicles-blisters have completely scabbed over. Usually you feel to sick to do much, anyway.

      Best Regards

      Merry Juliana

    • cherrypop
      cherrypop Merry19451

      Posted

      Hi Merry

      Thank you for taking the time to reply to my message. Your comments have been very helpful. I have just found it very strange if it's not contagious how I'm the 3rd person in work to come down with it. I'm 38, do not have a weakened immune system and would not consider myself stressed.

      If the pus from the blisters is contagious, is it possible to catch it from a toilet seat? The blister have appeared on the top, back of my thigh, which would be in contact with the toilet seat. Is this possible?

      I am currently off work as advised by my doctor.

      Many Thanks

      Cherrypop

  • Glynann
    Glynann cherrypop

    Posted

    Hi. I'm recovering from shingles at the moment. It came out about a month ago, went to the doctors and he gave me the correct medication, thank goodness. I've got it all over one side of my head, on my ear and a little on my neck. All on the left side of my body. Yes, I think I am a bit run down due to the fact, I broke my left arm on 30th August and haven't been back to work yet, so am feeling very fed up.

    Also, I'm very worried about haveing th shingles as my daughter and her husband have now announced they are expecting a bbay. Sh'es only about 6 weeks pregnant but when I had the blisters I didn't see them for about 3 weeks as I knew they were trying. Hopefully all will be well.

    I also feel quite low sometimes, is this due to the shingles or the fact I've not been to work for 3 months? i would value anyones advise please. 

    Many thanks.

     

    • Merry19451
      Merry19451 Glynann

      Posted

      Hi Glynann,

      I am so sorry for your suffering from this excruciating disease.

      First of all, Herpes Zoster / Shingles causes a viremia circulating in your body. It causes fatigue, muscle and joint aches and pains, headache, fever, malaise etc. It can take 2-3 months to recover from these symptoms alone, let alone the pain.

      If the blisters / vesicles have completely scabbed over, you are no longer contagious. The vesicles-blisters no longer contain the infectious fluid that transmits the virus to others. Usually by one month, the scabbing has occurred. It is usual to feel depressed and fatigued with shingles due to the pain, social isolation, change in schedule, malaise, narcotics, change in body image, and sometimes lack of familial support.

      I am glad your physician gave you the correct medication, as this is essential in thwarting a more complicated disease process. You certainly had an extensive rash as it is. I hope the pain has subsided and the information I supplied has helped you.

      If you have more questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I am an NP in the States.

      Best Wishes

      Merry Juliana

    • cherrypop
      cherrypop Glynann

      Posted

      Hi Glynann

      I am so sorry that you have been so poorly. I have no doubt that you are feeling low, it sounds like you have had a lot to deal with over the last few months. I am by no means a doctor and like you, I am just trying to find some answers.

      Congratulations about your daughter, that's lovely news. It must have been hard not seeing her. I truly wish you a speedy recovery. Try to keep postive hun. Just concentrate on the end result, being well and having a beautiful grandchild. I know that's easier said then done when your feeling low. Good things are on their way xxx

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