Kids exposed to shingles

[~*Niadalla*~]

Hi there!
I've just found out in the last few minutes, that FIL has shingles. He was diagnosed today.
I've never known of anyone with shingles, so I'm not exactly sure of what the deal is.
I do know that Hubby and I are safe. We can't catch shingles itself - you can only get chickenpox. DS 2.5yrs has been immunised but I'm guessing he still has a chance of contracting chicken pox mildly?
DD on the other hand, is 8 months old so no immunisation.
I am not too worried about the kids getting chickenpox themselves... I had CP when I was little and so did my sisters and we were all fine.
I'm wondering more about whether Hubby and I could carry the shingles virus with us anywhere?
Should we be keeping the kids in isolation for a week or so? I've got soooo much coming up this weekend that I really can't avoid doing unless it's completely necessary. My kids would only be going to my parents house (who have had CP) and won't be in contact with anyone else. Only hubby and I would be in contact with people.
Is there anyway anyone could catch anything from us? DS was sitting on FIL's knee yesterday so I'm guessing there's a high possibility that he's come into contact with the virus (on FIL's face), and then he's been in contact with DD... so not sure whether he can pass it on to her or not before the blisters come out??

Does anyone know much about this?

[Inanna]

Hi - as you know it is possible to contract chicken pox from someone that has shingles. The crucial time is just before the blisters appear until they crust over.

So, it is possible that your kids could catch it. I personally would not bring them into contact with any other children/pregnant women or in fact anyone. Just until you can guage if they have contracted it.

You don't need to isolate yourself if you are immune and your partner /parents have immunity. Though it does need to be remembered that vaccination doesn't necessarily mean immunity. Nor does having had chicken pox as a child deem you immune. It's possible to still contract it - though I guess more likely that you won't.

Good luck with it! I hope your FIL feels better soon.

[~*Niadalla*~]

Thanks. I had an appt with the MCHN today so I've just called and left them a message on their mobiles to let them know that we had contact with FIL yesterday.... EEK. I feel terrible about that.

The good thing about living out here in the middle of nowhere, is that we won't come into contact with any kids/pregnant ladies at all.

I'm just worried that hubby and I could carry the virus... is that possible? Or would it die after a certain time period? I didn't touch FIL at all only DS did, so I guess I'm worried that he could have gotten it from FIL and then we've all touched DS???

[Inanna]

You won't carry it if you haven't contracted it. What I am trying to say is that unless you know you are immune (by bloods) you could contract it - though the risk would be negligible by the sounds of it. Only if your kids caught it and it's brewing in them & you are not immune would it be likely.

Also, it sounds from the contact your kids had with their grand dad that their risk would be very minimal also...

[~*Niadalla*~]

Thanks. (sorry sleep deprived).
I'm not so worried about these kids themselves, just worried about others. I guess we'll see in the next 10-14 days if the kids are going to contract it at all.

[Mak]

We have had chickenpox and shingles at work recently. My GP suggested we give DD2 the vaccine ASAP - have you a good GP you can call on or perhaps nurse on call. Good luck - hope FIL is not too ill.

ETA Inanna - phew someone with some experience!