Forum Discussion
Our immune system
Hi all. How many weeks/months post chemo and/or radiotherapy will our immune system be weakened? I’m only asking because a work colleague has shingles. My understanding is 21-28 days? But I’...
Hi @Chev. Have you had chicken pox?
You don't actually "catch" shingles, but if you haven't had, or been immunised against chicken pox, you could get that.
I think the acute immunosuppression is over reasonably quickly after your last chemo, but longer term, who knows, though I'm sure that chemo has long term effects on how our immune system functions.
Mind you, that could also be a side effect of having had cancer. Who knows.
Take sensible precautions, don't touch your colleague, and especially don't touch any of the blisters
Take care
You don't actually "catch" shingles, but if you haven't had, or been immunised against chicken pox, you could get that.
I think the acute immunosuppression is over reasonably quickly after your last chemo, but longer term, who knows, though I'm sure that chemo has long term effects on how our immune system functions.
Mind you, that could also be a side effect of having had cancer. Who knows.
Take sensible precautions, don't touch your colleague, and especially don't touch any of the blisters
Take care