$Unique_ID{BRK00389}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Risks of Contact with Herpes Patients}
$Subject{shingles rash virus chickenpox Infections infection herpes zoster
contagious diseases disease immunity varicella-zoster child children}
$Volume{A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Risks of Contact with Herpes Patients


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  My husband has a bad case of herpes and the rash looks terrible.
Since we are always together, I am worried that I might catch the same thing,
since the doctor called it a viral infection.  What risks am I running if I
continue to care for my husband?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Your risks are probably not great, although herpes (also called
herpes zoster) is a contagious disease.  It all depends upon whether or not
you have developed an immunity to the virus such as that gained from having
chickenpox.  Both chickenpox and shingles are caused by the same virus (the
varicella-zoster virus), and since most adults have been exposed to this virus
as children, shingles is rarely transmitted from adult to adult.  It's a
different story with children though, and there are many reports of children
developing chickenpox after contact with an adult suffering from shingles, so
this is not the time for visits by your grandchildren.  When children with
severe herpes zoster require hospitalization, they are isolated from other
patients on the children's floor, to prevent additional infections.  With
ordinary hygiene measures, you may continue to care for your husband without
undue fears.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.