Shingles - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ladyjane · 08-30-2011, 06:07 AM

Actually, herpes zoster is contagious and can be contracted by contact and it is also airborne.

I have had it numerous times in my facial nerve.....a couple of times I knew of direct exposure within a period of time prior to contracting it. In one case I was caring for a patient with numerous issues, shingles being one. He was on wound and skin precautions and not respiratory....and I did get it within a couple of weeks. After a bit of research I found out that it is indeed airborne! Many people are not aware of the fact that it is airborne. When someone tells me that they have shingles or chickenpox, I avoid them. It is a nasty virus and yes, it is very painful. Thankfully, the first time I had it I went to a doctor who knew how to treat it and also knew to tell me how to avoid it in the future (although that actually has not worked out well). I have very little residual nerve damage due to having been treated immediately with steroids each time. That inflammation in the nerve must be treated in Bell's Palsy or the nerve is permanently damaged.

People who are susceptible to zoster can contract it from someone who has it.

Ellie May · 08-30-2011, 06:14 AM

Hmm.

So airborne as in someone who has it just has to sneeze and everybody around can get it OR just that the liquid from the area can get into the air and cause a problem? Absolutely nobody who doesn't want to get it should come near the area when it's draining. That much I know.

gidget529 · 08-30-2011, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyjane

Actually, herpes zoster is contagious and can be contracted by contact and it is also airborne.

I have had it numerous times in my facial nerve.....a couple of times I knew of direct exposure within a period of time prior to contracting it. In one case I was caring for a patient with numerous issues, shingles being one. He was on wound and skin precautions and not respiratory....and I did get it within a couple of weeks. After a bit of research I found out that it is indeed airborne! Many people are not aware of the fact that it is airborne. When someone tells me that they have shingles or chickenpox, I avoid them. It is a nasty virus and yes, it is very painful. Thankfully, the first time I had it I went to a doctor who knew how to treat it and also knew to tell me how to avoid it in the future (although that actually has not worked out well). I have very little residual nerve damage due to having been treated immediately with steroids each time. That inflammation in the nerve must be treated in Bell's Palsy or the nerve is permanently damaged.

People who are susceptible to zoster can contract it from someone who has it.

The CDC is recommending airborne precautions with disseminated lesions. CDC - Shingles - Preventing VZV Transmission in Healthcare Settings - Herpes Zoster I am sorry to hear you have had more than one bout of this nasty illness.

ladyjane · 08-30-2011, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ellie May

Hmm.

So airborne as in someone who has it just has to sneeze and everybody around can get it OR just that the liquid from the area can get into the air and cause a problem? Absolutely nobody who doesn't want to get it should come near the area when it's draining. That much I know.

No, it is airborne. I am not referring to indirect contact which would be from the lesions getting into the air

Sandysbabies · 08-30-2011, 04:37 PM

Went to the doctor today and it is definetly shingles. He put me on antibotics and pain meds. I tell ya, I have been on enough antibotics in the last year that nothing should be able to live in my body. I know my immune system is low. He also told me that it was not contagious. I have read where it is and then its not. Who would know what to believe? I sure hope its not but you don't know what to believe.

YorkieRose · 08-30-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandysbabies

I didn't realize it was as serious as it is. I was in the hospital after knee surgery on IV's for the infection. My regular dr. really stayed in there and fought this infection so I would not have to have yet another surgery on my knees. I'm sure my immune system is low. Will try to get in asap to my doctor. This pain is horrible but the Tamadoyl is helping some. You can't even stand material or clothes of any kind to touch it. Gosh, whats next?? Hope dh doesn't get it.

Good advise....wash your hands often and do not touch your eyes....one of our members here got them in an eye and needed a cornea transplant...and my daughter eye DR had the same thing happen..can you believe that???

The sooner they are treated the better...and that reminds me I am old enough for a vaccine...anyone over 60 should get one...

I have been around lots of people with shingles and they are not contagious...MD said that also.

YorkieRose · 08-30-2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandysbabies

Went to the doctor today and it is definetly shingles. He put me on antibotics and pain meds. I tell ya, I have been on enough antibotics in the last year that nothing should be able to live in my body. I know my immune system is low. He also told me that it was not contagious. I have read where it is and then its not. Who would know what to believe? I sure hope its not but you don't know what to believe.

I have heard the same...even DR disagree...if you never had chicken pox they say you can not ge them...so I guess that would mean future gens will be free of them...don't all children get a CP vaccine now??

ladyjane · 08-30-2011, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

I have heard the same...even DR disagree...if you never had chicken pox they say you can not ge them...so I guess that would mean future gens will be free of them...don't all children get a CP vaccine now??

I had chickenpox as a child and I have had herpes zoster/shingles many times. The nasty little virus lays dormant in the nerves.

Sandysbabies · 08-30-2011, 05:02 PM

I have heard of shingles all my life but I just thought it was a rash and that was about it. Never knew it could be as serious as it is. When you can lose your sight and all the nerve damage it causes, that is pretty bad. I have neurophy from the diabetes and it is very painful. I remember having chicken pox when I was about 6yrs. old because I stayed out of school for about 2wks. and went back and about 3days later got the red measles. lol!!! I think I'm a gluton for punishment. Hope this crap doesn't last long. I should have asked my doctor what to put on it for itching. It has began to itch more than in the start. I think someone mentioned calamine lotion.

ladyjane · 08-30-2011, 05:04 PM

My nephew has had two corneal transplants due to varicella.

Sandysbabies · 08-30-2011, 05:17 PM

I think sometimes we don't even understand how serious some of the childhood diseases are if we get them after we are grown. My youngest son got chicken pox after he was grown and not knowing he took a shower. He had been feeling really bad and thought taking a shower would help him feel alittle better and unknowing it spread the chicken pox to his lungs. He was so sick and by the time he was taken in to the er he was within hours of dying. They isolated him and he was in the hospital quarentined for sometime. It was a miracle he lived just because who would have known it would cause what it did. Scary.

McheleM · 08-30-2011, 08:23 PM

Herpes zoster is contagious.
Definitely stay away from pregnant women, babies and anyone who's immune system is deprived, or who has never had chicken pox.
it follows nerve paths, which is why you see it in streaks in some people.
Baking soda baths help as well as just not wearing anything on the area.

Hope your meds work and you feel better soon.

YorkieRose · 08-31-2011, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McheleM

Herpes zoster is contagious.
Definitely stay away from pregnant women, babies and anyone who's immune system is deprived, or who has never had chicken pox.
it follows nerve paths, which is why you see it in streaks in some people.
Baking soda baths help as well as just not wearing anything on the area.

Hope your meds work and you feel better soon.

Good to know...what I do not understand is why you are not immune like with the chicken pox..I guess it is a different variety of the same virus?? Calling about getting that vaccine today...

YorkieRose · 08-31-2011, 06:36 AM

PS..they have those little nose filters you can wear..I laughed when I saw them on "Shark Tank"...but they are really popular in other countries...I am getting some for my next plane trip..I always come home sick.

lisaly · 08-31-2011, 07:28 AM

I am so sorry to hear you are so sick. I know it's really difficult for you to get much rest with Tina's needs, but I hope you are able to. Sleep deprivation and stress are so tough on the immune system. I think of you and your babies a lot, and I pray that things improve for you. I hope that your babies can bring you some joy and a distraction from all of your pain and now this illness.

08-30-2011, 06:07 AM	#16
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	Actually, herpes zoster is contagious and can be contracted by contact and it is also airborne. I have had it numerous times in my facial nerve.....a couple of times I knew of direct exposure within a period of time prior to contracting it. In one case I was caring for a patient with numerous issues, shingles being one. He was on wound and skin precautions and not respiratory....and I did get it within a couple of weeks. After a bit of research I found out that it is indeed airborne! Many people are not aware of the fact that it is airborne. When someone tells me that they have shingles or chickenpox, I avoid them. It is a nasty virus and yes, it is very painful. Thankfully, the first time I had it I went to a doctor who knew how to treat it and also knew to tell me how to avoid it in the future (although that actually has not worked out well). I have very little residual nerve damage due to having been treated immediately with steroids each time. That inflammation in the nerve must be treated in Bell's Palsy or the nerve is permanently damaged. People who are susceptible to zoster can contract it from someone who has it. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

08-30-2011, 06:14 AM	#17
Ellie May And Rylee Finnegan Donating Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 17,928	Hmm. So airborne as in someone who has it just has to sneeze and everybody around can get it OR just that the liquid from the area can get into the air and cause a problem? Absolutely nobody who doesn't want to get it should come near the area when it's draining. That much I know. __________________ Crystal, Ellie May (RIP), Rylee Finnegan, and Gracie Boo🐶

08-30-2011, 05:04 PM	#25
ladyjane Resident Yorkie Nut Donating YT 20K Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 27,451	My nephew has had two corneal transplants due to varicella. __________________ CLOUD NINE BEDS--YORKIE HAVEN RESCUE MY ETSY SHOP

08-30-2011, 08:23 PM	#27
McheleM Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Mesquite, TX Posts: 2,659	Herpes zoster is contagious. Definitely stay away from pregnant women, babies and anyone who's immune system is deprived, or who has never had chicken pox. it follows nerve paths, which is why you see it in streaks in some people. Baking soda baths help as well as just not wearing anything on the area. Hope your meds work and you feel better soon. __________________ "You've never learned to live until you've done something for someone for which they can never repay you."~Ralph Hall. Last edited by McheleM; 08-30-2011 at 08:25 PM.

08-31-2011, 07:28 AM	#30
lisaly Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 5,891	I am so sorry to hear you are so sick. I know it's really difficult for you to get much rest with Tina's needs, but I hope you are able to. Sleep deprivation and stress are so tough on the immune system. I think of you and your babies a lot, and I pray that things improve for you. I hope that your babies can bring you some joy and a distraction from all of your pain and now this illness. __________________ *Lisa and* Katie *Ashley 6/10,* *Gracie 2/04,* Kiwi 10/03, and Jolie 7/93 .

08-30-2011, 04:37 PM	#20
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	Went to the doctor today and it is definetly shingles. He put me on antibotics and pain meds. I tell ya, I have been on enough antibotics in the last year that nothing should be able to live in my body. I know my immune system is low. He also told me that it was not contagious. I have read where it is and then its not. Who would know what to believe? I sure hope its not but you don't know what to believe.

08-30-2011, 05:02 PM	#24
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	I have heard of shingles all my life but I just thought it was a rash and that was about it. Never knew it could be as serious as it is. When you can lose your sight and all the nerve damage it causes, that is pretty bad. I have neurophy from the diabetes and it is very painful. I remember having chicken pox when I was about 6yrs. old because I stayed out of school for about 2wks. and went back and about 3days later got the red measles. lol!!! I think I'm a gluton for punishment. Hope this crap doesn't last long. I should have asked my doctor what to put on it for itching. It has began to itch more than in the start. I think someone mentioned calamine lotion.

08-30-2011, 05:17 PM	#26
Sandysbabies YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 2,234	I think sometimes we don't even understand how serious some of the childhood diseases are if we get them after we are grown. My youngest son got chicken pox after he was grown and not knowing he took a shower. He had been feeling really bad and thought taking a shower would help him feel alittle better and unknowing it spread the chicken pox to his lungs. He was so sick and by the time he was taken in to the er he was within hours of dying. They isolated him and he was in the hospital quarentined for sometime. It was a miracle he lived just because who would have known it would cause what it did. Scary.

08-31-2011, 06:36 AM	#29
YorkieRose No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,577	PS..they have those little nose filters you can wear..I laughed when I saw them on "Shark Tank"...but they are really popular in other countries...I am getting some for my next plane trip..I always come home sick.