Chicken Pox/Shingles dilemma

[punkrockmomma]

So, we have not vaxed my DD who is 3, and I have an opportunity to expose her CP, which I've been wanting to do since we decided to not vax her. Here's my dilemma, I am on a low dose of a medication that weakens my immune system. I'm taking it because I have chronic hives that are an autoimmune response to stress and anxiety, and I'm worried that if I'm exposed to people with CP I might get shingles do to having a weaken immune system, and the possibility that I might not have a natural immunity to it anymore. I would really like to hear what you think of this situation. I wasn't planning on exposing my DD until later this week, so I have a couple of days to make a final decision about what I want to do. My allergist told me that I'll only be in this medication for about 3 months, and I'm a month into it. After writing this out I'm leaning towards not exposing her now, and waiting until I'm off this medication to expose her. So what do you think, I'd really like some advise.

[Marnica]

If you feel that you'll get another opportunity to expose her later on (she's only 3 after all!) then I would wait.

[Emmeline II]

Shingles is the reemergence of the dormant virus already in your body, so you may still have to deal with shingles due to the weakened state of your immune system while on the medication.

The reason that shingles was (pre pox vaccine) considered a disease of the elderly is that their immune systems are generally weaker and they have less exposure to wild chicken pox to maintain their immunity.

That said, in your situation it may not be a good idea to deliberately expose yourself right now.

[punkrockmomma]

Originally Posted by Emmeline II

Shingles is the reemergence of the dormant virus already in your body, so you may still have to deal with shingles due to the weakened state of your immune system while on the medication.

The reason that shingles was (pre pox vaccine) considered a disease of the elderly is that their immune systems are generally weaker and they have less exposure to wild chicken pox to maintain their immunity.

That said, in your situation it may not be a good idea to deliberately expose yourself right now.

Thanks Emmeline, that's what I was thinking, and for the reasons you mention. I just wanted a second opinion on our situation. Thank you very much!

[amnesiac]

Since this is about dealing with illness exposure I'm moving to H&H.