My Nephew has shingles!

[Valiant1]

I looked after him on friday and his sibblings he is only 2 so i was getting real close changing nappies, wiping hands noses ect to top it off my kids were all sharing cups and everthing!first of all i have rang my m/w who said as i havent had chicken pox i may need a blood test so i go to my GP and nobody knew what to do!! any ways got my blood test but what will happen if i am not imune and i get it ? I am 19 weeks

[belgo]

Did you have direct contact with the shingles rash? If not, it's unlikely you have caught it, but best to get the blood test anyway.

[Valiant1]

Yes i did, we were in the garden so i thought it was just a rash of the sand /grass. dirt etc feel really daft now for not noticing it was more!

[belgo]

don't feel daft. You've done the right thing going to your GP. Hopefully you are immune, but if not, ask about anti virals.

[Valiant1]

i was told by the midwife that if i am not i can't have the vaccine am seeing her monday so hopefull all will be sorted xx thanks hun x

[elephantine]

If you aren't immune you will need immunoglobulins (vzig). Needs to be given within 10 days of contact with rash. Usually available via your local microbiology or infectious diseases unit but administered by gp practice.

[Valiant1]

thanks hun will ring her again today not slept with worry. can't find anything that doesn't just say stay away from it. thanks again x

[elephantine]

Don't worry there is still time to sort things out. If your midwife is unclear regarding what to do show them this document from the HPA (the PDF file). It's under section 3.2.1

www.hpa.org.uk/Publications/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionControl/1102cfiViralrashinpregnancyguide/

HTH

[Valiant1]

Thank you will take it with me on monday x

[elephantine]

You're welcome. Do make sure though that if you don't have immunity you are within the 10 day grace period for getting immunoglobulins. Hope things work out ok.

[PrincessScrumpy]

Hi Valiant, thought I'd chat one this thread too. Try not to worry too much. Our nurse at school was not impressed when a pupil with shingles was told by her gp to come to school as she felt fine! The nurse told her mum not to come in and she will inspect her before she can come back in. We have 4 staff members who are pg.

On the plus side, the nurse said she new she was being over cautious and said it wasn't as contagious as chicken pox. Good luck x