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Can Exposure To A Chicken Pox Affected Cause Shingles?
Question: I am caring for my 10 month old grandson who has the chicken pox. I have had the chicken pox in the past. I have diabetes. I have not yet had the shingles vaccine. I am 62 years old. Can caring for my grandson, who has the chicken pox, give me the shingles?
Brief Answer:
Chicken Pox/Shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question.
Chicken pox is a contagious illness, but only until a certain stage. Once the chicken pox lesions have crusted over, they are no longer contagious. Until then, direct contact with a lesion could spread the illness. If you have such contact with your grandson, you are at risk for shingles. However, if you've contacted lesions that have already crusted over, there is no risk.
In the meantime, it is a good time to consult with your doctor and consider getting the shingles vaccine.
Chicken Pox/Shingles
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question.
Chicken pox is a contagious illness, but only until a certain stage. Once the chicken pox lesions have crusted over, they are no longer contagious. Until then, direct contact with a lesion could spread the illness. If you have such contact with your grandson, you are at risk for shingles. However, if you've contacted lesions that have already crusted over, there is no risk.
In the meantime, it is a good time to consult with your doctor and consider getting the shingles vaccine.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have been caring for my grandson. So, some exposure or risk has already occurred. Does continuing the care create any further risk? Or is it a moot point because I am already exposed?
Second question, I have a cold. I have completed a course of antibiotics and feel better, but am still not completely over the cold. Can I get a shingles vaccine while I am still sick? How long will it take to take effect? Is it too late for this exposure?
Second question, I have a cold. I have completed a course of antibiotics and feel better, but am still not completely over the cold. Can I get a shingles vaccine while I am still sick? How long will it take to take effect? Is it too late for this exposure?
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Good questions.
If you have already been exposed, there is nothing further to do but hope you don't develop shingles. Continued exposure to active lesions will increase your risk. Continued exposure to crusted over lesions will not.
You can get the vaccine with lingering cold symptoms as long as you do not have a fever.
Difficult to say how long after vaccine you are protected. Different immune systems react at different rates. But certainly within a few days.
Finally, it is most likely too late to obtain protection from the vaccine to the current exposure.
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Good questions.
If you have already been exposed, there is nothing further to do but hope you don't develop shingles. Continued exposure to active lesions will increase your risk. Continued exposure to crusted over lesions will not.
You can get the vaccine with lingering cold symptoms as long as you do not have a fever.
Difficult to say how long after vaccine you are protected. Different immune systems react at different rates. But certainly within a few days.
Finally, it is most likely too late to obtain protection from the vaccine to the current exposure.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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