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Got Shingles And Had Post Herpetic Pain. Developed PMR And GCA, On Prednisone. Suggest?

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Posted on Tue, 1 Oct 2013
Question: I got shingles badly about 20 years ago and had post herpetic pain for years. 8 yrs ago I developed PMR& GCA and am still on prednisone. My Mother developed shingles at 99. Is it XXXXXXX to my health to visit her ? I do not want to catch shingles again as I do not know what to do . The info says it is XXXXXXX to catch shingles or chickenpox when you are on prednisone
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Malhan (27 minutes later)
Hi

Thanks for asking.

Herpes zoster or shingles is due to the reactivation of the virus which is already there in the body.it is not an infective condition and do not spread from person to person.

It is the chicken pox which is infective and spreads ; in that case I will be worried for somebody taking steroids.

With zoster/shingles it is not a concern.

Thanks.

Please let me know if you need more information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Pankaj Malhan (2 days later)
Can I get shingles twice
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pankaj Malhan (59 minutes later)
Yes , A person can get shingles more than once, but that is because of reactivation of virus in the body and not from infection from some body else.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pankaj Malhan

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1998

Answered : 439 Questions

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Got Shingles And Had Post Herpetic Pain. Developed PMR And GCA, On Prednisone. Suggest?

Hi

Thanks for asking.

Herpes zoster or shingles is due to the reactivation of the virus which is already there in the body.it is not an infective condition and do not spread from person to person.

It is the chicken pox which is infective and spreads ; in that case I will be worried for somebody taking steroids.

With zoster/shingles it is not a concern.

Thanks.

Please let me know if you need more information.