Sick grandchildren

Thank you Elegran. I can have mine next year.

I used to look after GS1 when he was ill (although if he was really bad he just wanted Mummy) but with DH's compromised immune system I can't take the risk now. Luckily DD can do quite a bit of work from home and SIL can get time off if they're really pushed.

Back to the original question Yes of course you look after your grandkids, well or sick it would never enter my head not to
I find that the older I get the less I pick up from them I guess I ve gone through all the various cold viruses and having three kids with all the childhood infections I m sure by the time the grandkids came along I d had everything
I had my shingles injection a couple of years ago and I m thinking it's a one off lasting a good few years

Thanks for this clear explanation. It explains why I just missed out.I was 70 in August 2016 just 2 weeks before the deadline.

They have selected certain ages to receive it, presumably because there are too many to give it to everyone at once. The NHS website says:-

"You are eligible for the shingles vaccine if you were aged 70 or 78 years old on 1 September 2016.

From September 1 2016, the shingles vaccine will be routinely available to people aged 70 and, as a catch up, to those aged 78.

In addition, anyone who was eligible for immunisation in the previous three years of the programme but missed out on their shingles vaccination remains eligible until their 80th birthday. This includes:

people aged 71, 72 and 73 on September 1 2016
people aged 79 on September 1 2016

The shingles vaccine is not available on the NHS to anyone aged 80 and over because it seems to be less effective in this age group. "

I'm confused about the criteria for shingles jab. What is the significance of age 70 or 79?

How I would love to look after my only DGD, sick or well, but the PATPils live much much nearer.

Looking after granddaughter tomorrow who has Chicken Pox, as with most of the population we had it as children and have been around our own children who also had it. Resurrected this thread for reassurance, hope you are right Margaretm74, didn't really know about Shingles when my own children were young, sounds ghastly, would hate to get it.

DGS stuck his finger up his nose yesterday and offered to his mum saying 'Guess which hand?' hmmm.

DH is just feeling better having got it in November.

Meanwhile DD2 is here today with a runny nose, apparently dolly has a cold as well as she keeps wiping dolly' nose

And a nasty virus it is too. My nephew - 28 had it on his face and eye a few weeks ago. I really sympathised as it was bad enough round my back and side. A horrible thing.

And of course the shingles vaccine is offered if you are 70 OR 79! Not 70 TO 79.
No other age even if you have a compromised immune system

Basically, avoid very young, very old, and pregnant women if you have shingles or chickenpox. They are the same virus! Herpes zoster!
Not to be confused with herpes simplex which causes cold sores.
Of course there are also genital warts which are also herpes virus.
Anyone want anymore info?

Aren't we getting a jab for shingles when we get to 70? Thought I read that when I waiting for my flu jab

One of my daughters had chicken pox before she was three months old and was very ill, needing hospital treatment. She got chicken pox a second time when she was in hospital (for another illness) at the age of five or six. The THIRD time she contracted chickenpox (aged 12 or 13) she had tests done because the doctor didn't believe that it could be chicken pox a third time - but it was confirmed. She is a nurse now and is convinced that she will get shingles at some time in the future.

They seem to lose weight so quickly, but the put it back on when they start eating again.

So long as she's getting some fluids harrigran I wouldn't worry of she doesn't want to eat. She'll make it up for sure, and some, when she's feeling better.

Had GD1 for a sleepover last night and all day today. DIL said she had been unwell on and off since Friday when she was too poorly to go to school. It has been awful trying to feed her, everything I mentioned she didn't think she could eat and didn't even want to try. Tonight we went right through the fridge and cupboards and she finally agreed to try some soup, didn't like the first but ate the second. I am exhausted because I worry when she doesn't appear to have anything nourishing.

Nor am I disputing Galen. It is just what I have researched because I did not want to risk my baby GC contracting anything from my shingles.

I usually look after my three on Mondays/Tuesdays (with an overnight in between). Last week I had them all as usual and they were all ill with a sickness bug that is going around the school. One in bed, one hanging over the toilet and one having her tummy rubbed. Then.......all change.

All worse when we're older I think .

I caught shingles from another Dr who had it, my children came out in chickenpox. In revenge they gave me mumps!

Yes, thankyou. I think practice nurse had noticed the increase in shingles seemed to coincide with chickenpox outbreaks but that must be coincidence.

Think the confusion arises because most people have had chicken pox, so therefore you are more likely to get shingles as you only get chicken pox once. It is possible to get it twice, but very rare.
Does this clarify the situation

I am not disputing what Galen says, merely reporting what I was told at my practice, where the views differed between a very young doctor and an older very experienced practice nurse, leaving me confused.