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Re: Question regarding shingles and chickenpox

From: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Sat, 2 Feb 2002 23:39:48 -0600 (CST)

At Sat, 2 Feb 2002, L wrote: >
>Hello Doctors :) My grandmother is currently in a shingle outbreak. She
>was told to stay away from people who are pregnant or trying to get
>pregnant. I am pretty sure I am not pregnant, but I have some question.
>>From what I have read (and understand) shingles and chickenpox are cause
>by the same virus--difference is that shingles is when the dormant virus
>(from when you got chickenpox) reactivates.
>
>Is this true?
>
>An ob nurse (mom's neighbor) told me today that each is caused by a
>DIFFERENT virus. I thought that if you had chickenpox you are therefor
>immune to it--which should make you immune to "catching"
>shingles...shouldn't it???
>
>I had a very strong chickenpox outbreak (I was 12) and had many many
>blisters/sores....Also, before I TTC I had my blood drawn to check for
>antibodies/vaccine and it came back normal...is chickenpox a virus that
>is tested?? I am pretty sure the test tested for measles, etc.
>
>Thanks soo much..I am sorry it is so long. I need to know if I need to
>stay away from grandma and where she has been.
>
>--
>Thanks for taking the time to read my message :)
>

L

Yes, chicken pox and shingles are the same virus. If you had a case you are ok. The patient per se is not infectious, but the blisters are (if I remember my virology) 

--
William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG
Chairman, Editorial Advisory Board
Pregnancy and Birth Section
Private Practice
New Orleans, La.


*Please understand I can not respond to private emails.


*These comments are for educational purposes only.  They are
not meant to take the place of an examination by a qualified
health care provider.  They are not intended to be the start
of a physician-patient relationship.



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