Work colleague may have shingles, what to do?

[Stinkyminkymoo]

I'm sorry if I've posted in the wrong place, but I'm a bit anxious as I've found out a work colleague may have shingles. I've heard that she might come into work tomorrow and I don't know what I should do.

I'm only 8+4 so not told anyone at work (though a woman I've become friends with sussed it but I'm fine with her knowing). My manager doesn't know and I have my 6 month probationary review in about 2 weeks so am reluctant to tell my manager until at 12 weeks.

I spoke to nhs direct and they suggested I speak to my manager, but I don't really want to just yet. Anyone any advice/thoughts on best course of action?

Thanks :)

[goingmadtrying]

Hi I'm not sure about the risk of shingles, however totally understand about not telling work, I'm 9+3 and due my annual appraisal on Friday, and I'm keeping quiet as I'm not sure if I'll get a payrise. You said that you had your probationary review, are there any restrictions to your probationary re sick???, or do you have any other children that you could be off for I.e dependancy leave?? Good luck and I think your right to put you and baby first :)

[brettgirl2]

Have you had chicken pox?

I had shingles and managed to live with a 2 year old who hadn't had it without her catching it. The thing with shingles is it is likely to be under their clothes. So unless they are scratching it and depositing it around it is really hard to catch it.

My 2 year old then had chicken pox (separately) when I was 24 weeks preg. MW was completely unconcerned.

I think there is only a need for concern if you think you haven't had it. Even so I would have thought unlikely.

[griphook]

i think it's only a concern if you're had chickenpox, but on a different thread, i've had shingles and it really painful, and was told by my doctor not to have comtact with people with compromised immune systems, eg cancer, ms that type of thing. imo they should stay at home for that reason alone as there maybe people there who have an illness which noone knows about.

[griphook]

*haven't had

[Thevelveteenrabbit]

If you have had chicken pox there is nothing to worry about.
From NHS Choices
It is not possible to catch shingles from someone else with the condition. The shingles virus is reactivated from a previous infection with the varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox) and is not transmitted by person-to-person contact.
However, it is possible for someone who has never had chickenpox to catch chickenpox from someone with shingles. In the UK, chickenpox is so common during childhood that 9 out of 10 adults have had it, so will not be affected.

[Stinkyminkymoo]

I haven't had my probation review yet which is a concern, whilst I don't think that they can do anything, I would just rather not risk it.

I hate that people feel they 'have' to come into work when they are sick. Why they don't stay at home so no one else gets I'll I don't understand. Nobody thinks your a hero for infecting the office!!

[Stinkyminkymoo]

See the nhs direct guy said it was more contagious if on their face/hands/neck/head and she should not come into work if that was the case. If it is under clothing, it is less of a problem.

[moojie]

As another poster has said you cannot actually 'catch' shingles. You can get chicken pox from a person suffering from shingles but only of you haven't had it before.

I am currently 6 months pregnant and have a job where I come into contact with lots of sick people. I have been in contact with chicken pox, shingles and even measles and have not been concerned that I am at risk as I have had chicken pox as a child and been vaccinated against measles. Discuss with your midwife if you need more reassurance, they will be able to give you all the facts.

[Emy84]

I am 36 weeks and my Gran has got shingles. We spent a lot of time with her over Christmas which MW said was fine. She and GP told me that as I had had chickenpox the risk was very small however I shouldn't touch the rash or share towels clothes etc. shingles is not airborne you would have to come into contact with her physically to catch it.

Have you had chickenpox OP? If so I wouldn't worry but just don't get too close/ sit on her chair etc. even if you haven't had chickenpox you should still be fine as long as there is no physical contact between you and her rash!

You could always tell ppl you haven't had chickenpox and are paranoid about catching it??

HTH try not to worry

[phlossie]

I looked into this at Christmas because of a colleague. The NHS choices website says that shingles may only be passed on through direct contact with puss, so unless you plan on touching her sores, then you'll be fine. Shingles is something you get when you've had chickenpox previously.

[Hulababy]

Have you had chicken pox?

If yes, then you are fine.

If no, then you are at risk of catching chicken pox, which is something you should try to avoid whilst pregnant so you would need to take action. Mind you, I don't think it is airbourne - more from direct contact.

You cannot catch shingles from someone.

[TimothyClaypoleLover]

Speak to your GP or midwife but as I understood it if you have previously had chicken pox you will be fine. Although if you have a compromised immune system you may be at risk.

[FannyFifer]

Unless you plan on rubbing the shingles rash on the person, not very likely I wouldn't have thought, then there is practically no risk whatsoever.
I'm a nurse and have nursed people with shingles whilst pregnant, not a problem.

[AnInnocentAbroad]

Hi, I've just been the "other" person in this situation!! I had shingles and was a bit concerned about returning to work as two of my colleagues were pregnant. My doctor was very clear that I would only be a risk to people who had not previously had chicken pox - seems you can't pass on shingles, only give chicken pox to someone who has never had it. I talked to both my colleagues about being in the office and they both checked with their doctors who weren't too concerned about it.
I guess your problem is the fact that you haven't gone public yet. The other person really shouldn't be returning if the sores are still open - and most shingles rashes are "hidden" anyway. If you have had chicken pox, then you are fine and, if not, perhaps you could take a sickie/day off.
You don't mention how long the colleague has been off - if it's longer than 2/3 weeks then you can be fairly sure that the rash is dry now.
Take care and try not to worry too much.

[Stinkyminkymoo]

Well I think I have had chicken pix so that is a good start. I have zero intention of touching anyone's sores, shingley or otherwise. She's only been off for 2 days, I guess I will have to wait and see...

Thanks for all the responses though - much appreciated