Hi everyone,

I'm quite newly diagnoised with RA and have just found out my neighbours son has chicken pox; we sometimes walk home all together on the school run.

I'm taking Methotraxte and steriods and although I had chicken pox when I was little I just wondered if I need to keep my distance a bit or as I've had it before, I'm perfectly ok?

Thanks, Louise

Hi Louise
You may well be imune if you had chicken pox as a child, however it may be worth asking for a blood test to check this to put your mind at rest because as you say you have a reduced immune system with the drugs yuare taking. I think I had my test whenI went onto anti TNF's and as an ex teacher who still visited for school plays etc it did set my mind at rest.
Have a good weekend
Best wishes
Sheila

Hello!

When I was first ill, I was a primary teacher and I had an antibody test because I was on the (then new) anti tnfs
I knew I'd had it but still had to be tested.
Things have changed and as they know most adults have had exposure to chicken pox as children they aren't as jumpy.

All of my own children have had it and I haven't caught it
But I do carry that alcohol gel I got at the chemists and use it after I've popped in my PIN number on things or before we eat out.

I feel a bit paranoid doing this but I feel a bit safer.

I'm sure you'll be fine :)