My twelve year old son was just diagnosed with Shingles. He had a mild case of chickenpox when he was around 2 or 3. Today, the doctor did not presribe any medications. I know there is no cure for shingles but shouldn't he have been given something? The only thing she said for him to do was to soak in baking soda. She also told me it was not contagious. I read that it was. Also, I have diabetes and got chickenpox when I was aroun 26; I'm not 41. Should I be avoiding my son and do I have anything to be worrried about?
I think you are ok to be around your son. If he had chicken pox, you could get shingles from him. There are anti viral medications that help the reduce the severity of the shingles. I heard you would have to start them within 5 days. However, I was sure glad to have the pills. Shingles really hurt. I remember having a really bad headache too.
Yes, my son has headaches now. Is it too late to ask for him to get medication? Within 2 to 3 days of his rash appearing, I took him to the doctor;so I guess it's too late to start him on anything. I just feel so bad for him and now i'm worried about myself. Will this come back? And if so, what is the course of action? Do I let it take it's course or take him back immediately so that he can be placed on medicine?
I would call the doctor back and ask if he could benefit from anti-viral therapy.
He is contagious in that he could give other people chicken pox, but it's unusual for someone to "catch" shingles from another person. If anything, being exposed to him might boost your immunity and prevent you from getting shingles.
He can get it again, so you might consider a shingles vaccine.
Thank you for the info, Jane. I will be taking him back to the doctor's office tomorrow. I also printed out some material to present to the doctor. Can anyone tell me how this is going to affect him? He's only 12; will be 13 next month. He's very active and loves to play sports. Will he have to give up sports? I've read about the pain associated with Shingles and it scares me. If he gets the vaccine will this stop the outbreaks? I know, I should be asking these qestions to his doctor and I will. Thanks, everyone. You all have been very informative.
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