Topic: Shingles/C.Pox "germs" on surfaces/Contagious?
susank
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22150
posted
Does anyone know how long the germs (?) from Shingles (Chicken Pox) could remain contagious on surfaces?
I don't think I had C.Pox as a child. Was not vaccinated against it. I am immune deficient with CVID (probably resulting from Lyme and Co) and am on IVIG.
The gal that feeds/takes care of my horse at a boarding facility called me today to tell me she has Shingles.
I will not be in direct contact with her - but will be touching things she has touched - like doorknobs, gate latches, bucket handles, etc.
I wash my hands often while at the stable. I have dry eyes and have to put drops in my eyes while there.
Obviously I am concerned. The last thing I need now is to come down with C.Pox.
If I don't get out of this house to go see my horse I will go crazy. I only get to see him 2-3 times per week. The rest of my time I am stuck in my house resting up to be able to get out again to see him.
Thanks any help on the contagious aspect in my situation.
-------------------- Pos.Bb culture 2012 Labcorp - no bands ever Igenex - Neg. 4 times With overall bands: IGM 18,28,41,66 IND: 23-25,34,39 IGG 41,58 IND: 39 Bart H IGG 40 Posts: 1613 | From Texas | Registered: Aug 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- My understanding (not sure, though):
Not airborn. Not by touch when hands are clean. Only if hands have touched open rash would germs be transferred to surfaces.
Shingles rashes are usually not on the hands.
Patients are told how to keep infection from spreading and to wash hands after attending to the rash. If attending to their rash in a public restroom, extra care is needed regarding what is touch and proper disposal of paper towels, etc.
I'm sure the stable management would not let anyone work who could infect others (as the horses might also be at risk). The employee likely has discussed this with management.
Not sure how to gracefully find out some of the details but your health (and the horses' health, too?) does warrant some clarity & assurance in the matter to be sure assumptoms don't pull you one way or the other.
There is an Equine Shingles - not sure if it can transfer from humans to horses but it's a question to ask.
It's quite reasonable to ask such questions of both the feeder and the stable manager. Just say you are learning about this and wonder about the precautions they may have in place (if the rash is not contained to the feeder's torso area and totally covered).
You can find out more at some of the medical websites. Best to see what the experts say. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You'd want to check several sites (and ask your doctor) but here's a start:
A bit confusing as this says both:
"A person cannot get shingles from a person that has it." Yet, also
"A person with shingles can spread the disease when the rash is in the blister-phase." -
A person must have already had chickenpox in the past to develop shingles.
A person cannot get shingles from a person that has it.
However, the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles can be spread from a person with active shingles to a person who has never had chickenpox or been vaccinated through direct contact with the rash.
The person exposed would develop chickenpox, not shingles.
The virus is not spread through sneezing, coughing or casual contact.
A person with shingles can spread the disease when the rash is in the blister-phase. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.
A person is not infectious before blisters appear or if pain persists after the rash is gone (post-herpetic neuralgia). . . . -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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