Pregnant and around someone with shingles?

Question

I just found out that my mother-in-law has shingles on her back.  I am 11 weeks pregnant.  I'm guessing that she is still contagious.  I read online that if a person comes in contact with the infected person and "catches" it then that person does not get it as shingles, it passes on as chicken pox.  Confusing, I know.  Anyway, I had chicken pox as a child (I'm 35 now) and all of my kids (ages 9, 8, & 4) have had their immunizations for chicken pox.  I also read that pregnant women should not be around someone with shingles because of the risk to the unborn baby.  What are your thoughts on my family being around my mother-in-law?  I tried called the pediatrician, as well as, my OB/GYN but haven't heard back from either of them.  
UPDATE: My OB/GYN said that as long as I've had chicken pox or the vaccine then it is fine to be around someone with shingles.  So, technically my family should be in the clear.  However, I still feel like we should stay away.  Would anyone else feel this way too? Any opinions?

Answer

Agree with others. As long as you've had chicken pox before or the vaccine you have nothing to worry about. The shingles virus is already inside you.

Answer

Having same issue. My dr said there blood work you can do to make sure you have antigens to fight against it but strongly recommend that you stay away until i give birth 32 weeks

Answer

It's only contagious to people whom have never had chickenpox or the immunization for chickenpox. If you had them, and your children are vaccinated or have had them you are all safe!

Answer

Chicken pox and shingles are caused by the same virus.  If you have had chicken pox in the past that is what causes singles in the future.  It is transmitted through touch.

Answer

As long as you have had the chicken pox you should be immune. Shingles comes from the chicken pox so you can't catch shingles but you can get chicken pox from shingles. In very very rare cases you can get chicken pox a second time so I would ask her to cover her rash and that will decrease the risk even further. I definitely wouldn't stress about it.

Answer

Hmmm not sure. I actually had shingles a few months ago. I thought if you've had chicken pox before you cannot catch shingles from someone that has it. Also if her blisters have crusted over then she should no longer be contagious. Mine was on the back of my leg. I never touched it and was careful to wash my hands before touching my baby. I'm curious as to what your doctor will recommend.

Pregnant and around someone with shingles?

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