Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Contagious

To understand Stevens-Johnson Syndrome litigation, you should know that despite the fact that Stevens-Johnson Syndrome may look like a possibly contagious skin affliction, it cannot be spread from one person to another. SJS is actually a severe allergic reaction to a medication or virus. This condition is extremely painful and it is horrid to watch someone you love suffer through it. The last thing you need is to lose the support of those around you because of a myth or misconception. Here we discuss SJS and answer some of the most common questions.

Why Isn’t SJS Contagious?

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer environmental and food allergies, you know that eating a certain food, or trying to enjoy a warm spring day can cause you to develop cold like symptoms that can last for hours or even days. Even if your allergies are causing you to sneeze, cough, make a lot of extra mucous, or make you feel ill in some other way, you can’t pass your allergy or your reaction to someone else. SJS is also an allergic reaction with symptoms that cannot be passed to anyone else, even through direct contact. People with the condition are often admitted to intensive care units and burn units not because there is a risk of passing the condition, but instead to try the limit the person from coming into contact with virus, bacteria, or other germs that could cause them to become more ill.

What Causes Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

SJS is caused by a severe allergic reaction to a drug or medication. It is important to understand that anyone can suffer an SJS reaction to nearly any medication. However, certain medicines have more associated cases including –

• Antibiotics like penicillin, Cipro, azithromycin, and amoxicillin
• Anticonvulsants
• Barbiturates
• Pain relievers like Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, and Aleve
• Sulfa-based antibiotics like Bactrim and Septra
• Gout medications like Aloprim and Zyloprim

I Take a Prescription that Causes SJS. Should I Stop Taking It?

No. Do not stop taking a prescription medication without talking to your doctor first. It is important to know that SJS generally develops within the first two months of starting a new prescription. If you have been taking a prescription and have not suffered a reaction, it is very unlikely that you will later.

How Can I Protect Myself From SJS?

Certain individuals have a higher risk of developing SJS. These groups include people with HIV or a weakened immune system, those who have had SJS before, those who have a close familial history of SJS, and those of Asian descent.

There is no real way to protect yourself from developing SJS other than reading the warning labels on all medications before you take them, and discussing the possibility of having an allergic reaction to the medication with your doctor. You can also speak with a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney to learn more about this condition and the drugs that may cause it.