shingles (chicken pox virus): can i swim in my pool?

Answer 1

Yes, as the chlorine will kill off the virus in the water so no one else can catch it, and the cool water will soothe your skin.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

Yes, you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before. (You cannot get shingles itself from someone who has shingles.) The shingles rash is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed and are dry. But note: most adults and older children have already had chickenpox, and so are immune. Also, if the blisters (vesicles) are covered with a dressing, it is unlikely that the virus will pass on to others. This is because the virus is passed on by direct contact with the blisters. (Therefore, if you have a job you can return to work once the blisters have dried up, or earlier if you keep the rash covered and feel well enough.)

However, as a general rule, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox should avoid people with shingles. (See separate leaflet called 'Chickenpox, Shingles and Pregnancy'.) Also, if you have a poor immune system, you should avoid people with shingles. (See below for a list of people who have a poor immune system.) These general rules are to 'play safe', as it is direct contact with the rash that usually passes on the virus.

Also, to play safe and not risk passing on the virus to others who may not have had chickenpox, you should not share towels, go swimming, or play contact sports such as rugby whilst you have a shingles rash.

if perhaps you are just having the pain associated with shingles but no rash, I do not see the harm.

If it is your private swimming pool, i would think it would be okay, it won't hurt you any more to go swimming while having shingles, after all, you do shower. *jmo

Answer 5

If your child has had chickenpox, then there's absolutely no problem, unlike many viruses VZV doesn't mutate and thus, immunity is retained for life. If your child has not had the chickenpox then there is a reasonable risk that it could pick up the virus from it's great-grandmother, obviously this depends on the level and duration of contact - the longer and closer it is, the higher the risk. However, for an unknown reason, children are much less likely to be infected by an adult as they are by another child. A 10 month old is slightly younger than the traditional age range of 1-6 years but should not be expected to suffer more or be at higher risk of complications than any other child who is infected with VZV.

Answer 6

I would not. Although I agree with most of the statements that other respondents have made regarding the possibility of your infecting others, I would be worried about the possibility of a secondary infection to yourself. As a nurse, I have cared for patients admitted with shingles and a secondary cellulitis...a bacterial infection to the skin and other tissues that can result from the open sores left by shingles. Shingles alone are bad enough, you don't need more misery. And no, I would not trust the cholrine in the pool to kill all of the bacteria.

Answer 7

No, it is not a good idea. Aside from the valid concerns as outlined by Wayne D, what about other people who may use the pool? If they have all had chickenpox, then the risk is decreased. Otherwise, you have to drain the entire pool to adequately disinfect it so that the virus is truely 'dead'.

Answer 8

Dear Derwin, Sorry about your shingles. Hurt, Itch, pain , pain. The virus will stay in your body forever,,a long time. I would say, stay inside of doors if your shingles are " raw ". and scaby. My shingles' pain went to my heels. Stay out of the pool. Claudia

Answer 9

there should be enough chemicals in your pool to be ok..

Answer 10

i think so