JISCMail - OCC-HEALTH Archives

As I understand it you can't catch shingles (Herpes Zoster) from someone who has it. But anyone who has not had chickenpox and is exposed to shingles may develop chickenpox, because both diseases are caused by the same (? similar) virus. However, you do have to have direct contact with the shingles blisters to catch the pox. So anyone who has not had chicken pox is at risk if they are in direct contact.

So, providing it is covered so there is no direct contact and personal hygiene is good there should be no problem. Having said that in my experience you should restrict anyone from working with autoimmune people - just in case. Chicken pox is infectious from 3 days before the spots appear until they have all scabbed over - how on earth you know before the spots appear I have no idea!!!!

> When I had an employee diagnosed with shingles I phoned NHS direct they
> stated that as long as others are not coming into contact with the
> pus/discharge there is no risk. Not sure about chicken pox
>
> Julia
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: joan Twigger [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 11:34 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Shingles
>
>
> I am sure this question has been asked before but how long are employees or
> work mates at risk from contracting chicken pox ( If they have never had
> the illness) from someone newly diagnosed with shingles.
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
> Joan
>
> Joan Twigger
> Occupational Health Advisor
> 3M Healthcare Limited
> Tel: 01509 613720
> Fax: 01509 613065
> e-mail [log in to unmask]
>
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