Are Shingles Contagious to Pregnant Women?

Shingles is no more contagious to pregnant women then to anyone else, but women carrying children should be particularly careful to avoid infected personages. Varicella, the strain of the herpes zoster virus responsible for the painful malady, is most often contracted at a young age in the form of chicken pox. Once acquired, however, it can be brought back to the surface by a stress on the body. Pregnancy is such an affliction; pregnant women should be vigilant about keeping themselves healthy in order to avoid a recurrence.

Shingles are a rash caused by a reappearance of the herpes zoster virus. Generally first contracted early in life, the virus often reappears in an altered form later on. The recurrence of the disease is usually a result of severe stress from both internal and external forces.

Once the virus has been contracted, it is impossible to be reinfected. However, a person affected by the Varicella strain can pass the disease on to a person not previously exposed. Though the original sick individual may suffer from the shingles form of the strain, the uninfected person will almost always present Varicella in the cast of chicken pox. Luckily however, the spread of shingles is localized, requiring direct contact with the fluid filled blisters.

The main symptom of shingles is a burning, painful rash made up of small blisters. The blisters form along the path of nerves branching out from the spinal cord. Blisters form milky pustules on top, which eventually burst, then ooze, and then crust over. Once the carbuncles have scabbed over, the rash is no longer contagious. Occasionally the burning and painful sensation occurs without the corresponding rash, making it particularly difficult to diagnose.

People with compromised immune systems are at particular risk for contracting the more serious form of Varicella. This grouping includes pregnant women and infants. If you are currently pregnant and have not been exposed to the strain, make pains to avoid herpes zoster infected individuals. This is not due only to the health repercussions for the mother; it is also possible for expecting women to pass the sickness on to the fetus. Complications from the disease can potentially be fatal.

Pregnancy is a joyous time in any woman’s life. To keep it more positive than negative, however, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a must. Though shingles is contagious to pregnant women who have not been exposed to the Varicella strain, the main worry for pregnant ladies is a second occurrence of the illness. Regular meals and exercise, along with proper stress relief will help keep shingles, and other sicknesses at bay.