Shingles and CEV partner

[WorriedMillie]

I was diagnosed with shingles today, now on acyclovir
I didn’t think to ask the GP at the time, but OH is Clinically vulnerable (due to being on 2 types of immunosuppressive meds long term, plus occasional steroids)- for context, he can’t have his covid booster at the mo, so his immune system isn’t great

Advice on line is to avoid people who are immunocompromised, but OH has had chicken pox as a child. Does anyone know if we should still stay apart? He can ask his specialist nurse tomorrow, but I’m thinking about tonight (I may sleep in the spare room just in case!)
Thank you :)

You can't catch shingles and if he's had chicken pox then I probably wouldn't worry.

I would probably sleep in the spare room anyway. Shingles isn't the most comfortable of things to get. Sorry to hear it though.

Try and keep the rash covered as chickenpox can be passed from the fluid from the shingles blisters. You don't know for sure that his immunity to chicken pox has been maintained.

Thanks all, rash is covered, but given his vulnerable status, I’ll keep apart until he’s spoken to his nurse tomorrow! We don’t want to risk any additional illness at the mo!

I'd keep apart. Even though he's had CP his immune system might not be able to respond.

My son is immunocompromised and has had chicken pox and shingles. He is at greater risk of developing shingles if he comes into contact with someone with chicken pox.

In your situation I would keep apart just in case, change bedding and towels and keep everything separate for now and check with his specialist nurse or dr tomorrow. They may suggest a preventative course of aciclovir just in case.

Thanks all, I’m keeping my distance for now.

Due to his underlying immunosuppression, even if he has had chicken pox in the past he may not have lasting immunity. Is he under a specialist nurse for his condition? If he calls them, they may advise testing for immunity and if not immune they can offer prophylactic aciclovir.

Shingles is only contagious by contact with matter from the rash. You need to avoid him touching it directly, and you make sure you are not contaminating surfaces (ie it's all effectively covered, just as it should be)