Question
Do I need to avoid someone with chicken pox?
20 April 2012. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections.
Do I need to avoid someone with chicken pox?
My niece currently has chicken pox. It’s her birthday tomorrow and we were planning on going to see her. Is this advisable?
My wife and I both HIV positive and are on medication. My CD4 is 700 with a CD4% of 45%. Hers is lower at around 350 and 15%.
I’m pretty sure I had chicken pox as a kid and my wife has had shingles (which as far as I’m aware indicates previous exposure). Is it advisable to avoid going, or is there little / no risk to our health?
Answer
Thank you very much for your question and allowing us to post it online. I’m very sorry to hear that your niece has chicken pox.
People who are HIV positive are advised to stay away from people who are have chicken pox, especially if you have not been vaccinated or are uncertain about your history
Although this worry is mainly for people who have a low CD4 count (less than 350) this might still be something to ask your doctor first.
I understand that this is a special occasion. Related information about ‘Guarding against infection’ is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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