Husband has shingles

[Arizoniann]

He was diagnosed on Friday and has been taking anti-viral meds since then. He has just a few blisters on the top of his foot and a nickel-sized area on his ankle. He mostly just wants to float on a floatie, we could keep his foot out of the water as much as possible, but could shingles be spread in the pool?

 

[AimeeH]

I wouldn't think it could in a properly chlorinated pool. Proper chlorination is needed to kill bacteria and viruses. I can't remember if shingles is spread by contact or not--I'd think that could be a risk if it is spread by contact, you probably be more likely to make contact playing in a pool.

 

[JamesW]

It's really a question for your doctor.

I would think that transmission could be possible, but check with your doctor to be sure.

 

[Arizoniann]

Good idea~I’ll have him stay out till we can call tomorrow.

 

[Saturn94]

From the CDC website

Shingles | Transmission - How Spreads | Herpes Zoster | CDC

 

[RonsPlc]

taken from another site...

[h=3]What is the contagious period for shingles?[/h]
The virus that causes shingles, the varicella zoster virus, can be transmitted from person to person by direct contact with the fluid from the active blistering rash. Therefore, susceptible individuals should avoid contact with people who have active shingles, especially pregnant women who have never had chickenpox and immunocompromised individuals. It cannot be transmitted by coughing or sneezing, and it is not contagious before the blisters appear. Once the shingles rash has dried and developed crusting, it generally is not considered to be contagious.
There are a few important points to consider when discussing the varicella zoster virus and transmissibility. If an individual who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine comes in direct contact with the fluid from the shingles rash, they may go on to develop chickenpox, but they will not immediately develop shingles. It is possible, however, for them to develop shingles later in life, just as it is with others who have previously been exposed to the virus and developed chickenpox. Also, if you have previously been exposed to the varicella zoster virus and you have had chickenpox, you will not contract the virus from others with shingles.

 

[tstex]

It's really a question for your doctor.

I would think that transmission could be possible, but check with your doctor to be sure.

A-Ann,

First, sorry about your husband, - never had them but I've heard they are painful

Next, I would not call into a pool forum for advice such as this...I would also suspect that your husband should stay out of any bodies of water until all his XXXX's have dried and cleared-up.

Finally, I would either follow all of his dr's directions and or go see one if you have not...shingles are from the c-pox virus and if the virus is active, and the water is not treated properly, that virus could go in places you would never want them to go...Hope he gets the right medical treatment and instructions soon...

 

[Arizoniann]

Yes he’s been to the doctor, just didn’t think to ask about the pool until tonite, wasn’t sure if chlorine kills viruses, I know it kills bacteria, but he’s going to stay away from the pool till he’s better [emoji4]

 

[jblizzle]

Chlorine does kill viruses although I'm not sure what the specific kill times are for that virus which is dependent on the chlorine and the stabilizer levels in your pool.

 

[Killer95Stang]

If you have small children, I would ask at their school if they are having a Hands, Foot & Mouth outbreak. It is very similar to shingles and can easily be misdiagnosed. A couple years ago I got it from the equipment at my Crossfit Gym. Parents always bring their kids and let them play with the rings, bars, etc. After having 2 - 3 weeks of the worst blisters and pain on my feet (only got it there), I learned that most of the kids that frequent the gym had it prior to me getting it.

At the doctors office, I was told they were getting about 30 cases a week in kids, but the doctor laughed at me, because it is very rare in adults and I was the only adult he treated for it. Shingles usually shows up in patches on your back.