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Originally Posted by BirdDancer
My sister emailed me saying that our dad has shingles. That's quite disconcerting. She said that she and her husband got the vaccine (she said it was two doses). She said she believes our dad did, but only the first of two doses. I haven't because I am still too young for it. Our dad is supposed to come home in 10 days, unless he extends at the assisted living yet again. I would hope it wouldn't be contagious then. We assume that they have him fully quarantined in his room now, which we know he will hate. My husband had shingles, but a very mild case. We all had chicken pox as kids, but I have learned that that doesn't matter.
Bpcyclist, would you happen to know how long shingles remains contagious? I assume you've seen such rashes several times in your life.
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So sorry about your dad, BirdDancer. Shingles is contagious until all blisters burst--and are scabbed over. Add 1 or 2 days to that for safety. Usually, 10 to 14 days or so.
You and your sis should just verify that they are in fact treating him with acyclovir or Famvir or whatever. You don't want him to get post-herpetic neuralgia, which can be painful for months and months and require narcotic pain medication. Hope that all goes smoothly.
As you know, it is one of the most contagious infectious illnesses on the planet, and you can get it twice, contrary to popular belief. So, be cautious around him.
Sending support and hugs!!