I know we are all exposed to it, usually by the time we are 3, but I'm wondering if a person has very high HHV6 #'s due to Lyme & Co.,
are they contagious to others around them with compromised immune systems?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I would not think the lab test number would matter at all. If it's there, it's there.
I would not think contagious (as in air-borne) but - under certain circumstances - PERHAPS infectious (as in passed through bodily fluids). Still, that is just my hunch.
To my mind, a sneeze or a cough (while technically air-borne) would equate to transfer of bodily fluids if in close vicinity.
This group should have the definitive answer if there is one: -------------
HHV-6B is commonly found in the saliva after primary infection, and is passed to infants from family members and caregivers.
Little is known about the transmission of HHV-6A since it is generally not found in the saliva. It is known that children do acquire HHV-6A from family members in Africa.
One potential route of transmission could be through the nose. Several studies have suggested that HHV-6A could also be transmitted sexually.[i][ii] -
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Thanks Keebler - I was reading that while you were posting your 2nd post.
I'm looking over her test results, but it doesn't say if it's for A or B.
Based on what I read, I would think it's B.....which leads me to think it would be contagious?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- "Contagious" is not the word I would use in this case. That word tends to really scare people and may cause shunning of someone who has a chronic infection. It can cause panic and lead to a child having no friends.
"Contagious" has a different definition than "infectious".
Even then, as you work through what all this means and the necessary precautions, be very careful about even whispering either of those words in casual conversation.
Some people tend to jump to fear-based conclusions and quick sound bytes. You (or your child) cannot afford that risk. -
Posted by momintexas (Member # 23391) on :
Good points.....it's not me or my child though.
I wonder if it would be "infectious" to a person with a compromised immune system.
Posted by timaca (Member # 6911) on :
No one in my family (including my husband) has gotten ill and I've been sick with various infectious pathogens (including HHV-6).
My doctor (who treats LOTS of CFS patients) has also observed that few family members are ill in a family where one person has CFS.
Best, Timaca
Posted by WhitneyS (Member # 25666) on :
I think most people already have it, but their immune systems can handle it, so its not a problem.
When you have lyme is can get out of control since your immune system is overloaded....that was my understanding.
Posted by txgirl09 (Member # 21612) on :