To ask if kids can get shingles?

[OriginalGeordie]

DD2 had a pretty bad stomach bug approx 3 weeks ago. She hasn’t picked up since then and seems to be struggling with fatigue, nausea and muscular aches in back and shoulders. Changing her out of school uniform just now and noticed a rash going from her sternum around her rib cage to the back. It looks like shingles, me and DH have both had it in the past so aware what it looks like.

Really thought shingles only presented in adults. Awaiting a call back from GP but some wisdom would be gratefully received whilst I wait.

Kids can definitely get it - I had it when I was 7.

Yes they can! Hope she feels better soon.

yes. my son had it age 11

My friend had it as a baby

My little boy had it when he was three. It was just like a band around his rib cage if I remember correctly it was also a few weeks after he’d had a rotten bug.

Yep, I had it aged 9. Not common in kids but very possible.

Only if she's already had chickenpox, though, of course.

Yes my dd had it at ten months old, the doctor prescribed her some medication to take which will hopefully prevent her suffering with shingles again in the future. She had chicken pox at just three weeks old.

Yes she CP when she was 6, aged 10 now. Feel a bit silly as had her at the GP last week with all the other symptoms, he was concerned and has referred her to hospital, appointment arrived today. Looks like we have our diagnosis now!

Do I have to keep her off school and if so how long for?

My daughter was diagnosed with it at 8. School nurse (we are not in UK) said it was her third case in over 25 years.

Check if they think she needs antivirals.

You might need to keep her off school as she may be able to give chickenpox to the children who haven't had it - I think it's less contagious though.

Check your schools guidance. When I had it I was advised to still go to school but not do pe as that would expose the rash to others.

I had it at 14. Horrible. I was really not well

The only children who are 'allowed' to have shingles are those who had very mild chickenpox. Otherwise if your child had proper good going chickenpox they shouldn't get shingles (and those should be seen by Paeds immunologist to ensure no subtle immune issues). Childhood shingles is typically painless unlike adults. Hope she's better soon.

my ds had it at 15 months it was horrible he had chicken pox at 9 months old

I had shingles when I was 9. It was round my ribcage on one side. I remember having some orange liquid dabbed on with cotton wool, but it wasn't very painful. My cousin got it a couple of years later and had to have pain killing injections as his was so painful.

Yes of course, it only appears on one side though as it follows the nerve path. DH has had shingles twice poor man!

Yes. One of ours had it aged 9. Rash stops at midline of body.

It was v painful and lasted for weeks. They need to rest lots if it's a bad run. Meds can be effective if a bout is caught early enough, but otherwise it's just managing pain and resting a lot to support the immune system.

I had it in early teens. The doctors were quite surprised. I don’t know anyone else who has had it that young.

Waves to rest of thread!

Dd had it aged 9. I can't remember how long she was off school. I'd check with the gp. It was 6 yrs ago now but I think she had some sort of medication.

Ds had it age 3. If th he rash can be covered and they feel ok then they can still attend school. It spreads chicken pox by direct contact with fluid from the blisters so isnt airborne like chicken pox

Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles. Childhood shingles is more common in children who had chicken pox under 1 year

Yes, I had it at about 7yo.

Yes. My daughter had it when at Primary school. I kept her off school for a couple of days. Stay away from anyone pregnant too.