“Shingles and chicken pox?”
I have had shingles for 3 weeks now. Portions are beginning to heal, while other portions haven't blistered or scabbed at all, and I am not sure if they will because I took acyclovir early (I saw a doctor right away when I realized I had a painful rash clustered in an odd place on my side). I have stray itchy dots popping up now, though, too. Is it possible I can develop chicken pox during shingles? I am worried I could be more contagious than I previously believed, and Thanksgiving dinner is only days away now. I have several relatives who would be at high risk if I infected them, so I am trying to decide if I should stay home.
Female | 47 years old
Complaint duration: 21 days
Medications: blood thinners
Conditions: PE, heart, immune, allergies
3 Answers
Hi
Your question of developing chicken pox during shingles .. normally its the other way around. Having varicella or other herpetic infections normally contributes to the formation of Herpes zoster infection...with a decrease in the immune system. Your symptoms (in part) will dictate your decision of visiting relatives. You could ask your doctor for an extension of the acyclovir medication until symptoms have abated.
Your question of developing chicken pox during shingles .. normally its the other way around. Having varicella or other herpetic infections normally contributes to the formation of Herpes zoster infection...with a decrease in the immune system. Your symptoms (in part) will dictate your decision of visiting relatives. You could ask your doctor for an extension of the acyclovir medication until symptoms have abated.
It’s unlikely to be chicken pox, but since I can’t see the rash, I sure can’t make a diagnosis.
Florin Paul
Queens, New York
Good day to you. Thanks for your question.
Shingles is not transmitted by air/respiratory ways. It can be transmitted by direct contact especially if the skin is "injured" like irritation, small skin cuts, scratches, and so on. I do not see any impediment to attend the Thanksgiving dinner. Just keep your hands clean, disinfect your affected areas with usual disinfectants, and use some ointments to cover affected area. Take something for reduce pain (like acetaminophen). Hygiene is the key to protect yourself and the others you may get in touch.
Take care and stay safe!
Shingles is not transmitted by air/respiratory ways. It can be transmitted by direct contact especially if the skin is "injured" like irritation, small skin cuts, scratches, and so on. I do not see any impediment to attend the Thanksgiving dinner. Just keep your hands clean, disinfect your affected areas with usual disinfectants, and use some ointments to cover affected area. Take something for reduce pain (like acetaminophen). Hygiene is the key to protect yourself and the others you may get in touch.
Take care and stay safe!
