Shingles paranoia....

[Mmmaa]

I had shingles when I was about 12 and so know exactly how horrible it is, but also hear a lot about staying away from pregnant women if you have it..

I am 13 weeks and someone at work has been signed off with shingles, and I'm concerned as to how likely it could be that I could catch it if she returns before it has stopped being contagious.

How long does it take for it to stop being contagious? Do you think I'll be safe?!

If you have previously had shingles, then you have nothing to worry about.

It's the same virus, and someone who has not had CP could catch it if they came into direct contact with the matter from a shingles blister.

But shingles itself is a reactivation of the virus within the body, for reasons mainly unknown but stress is the lead suspect. It's not a reinfection, and as you've previously has shingles you must have had CP and are therefore not at risk.

The reason shingles could be bad for pg women is that it can give you chickenpox (if you've not already had it). Shingles is an autoimmune thing - it's not contagious at all.

You can't catch shingles. If you've had chickenpox you have the propensity to develop shingles later in life (which you have because you did). Therefore this person poses no risk at all to you.

Shingles is not in the slightest harmful to the baby if you develop it but you might suffer more complications so if you do then get some antivirals asap.

Above all don't stress - this is a major trigger for shingles!

Massive X-post with onimolap!

Aahh that makes sense, thank you!
Was extra worried as I have been v run down, but thanks for reassuring me :)