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Is Shingles Contagious?

Posted on Sat, 3 Jun 2017

Question: I have had a minor case of shingles should
I not be around pregnant people or young children because I work in a school?

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should stay away from pregnant women!

Detailed Answer:
HI and thanks so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this diagnosis of shingles. While shingles is less contagious that chicken pox, you should stay away from persons with decreased immune system such as pregnant women, children with low birth weight or premature infants and persons said to have a weakened immune system for any reasons.

To avoid transmitting this to others, keep the rash covered, avoid touching or scratching the rash and wash your hands often to prevent the spread of varicella zoster virus.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)

When would it be safe for me to be around pregnant women again. Have had my condition for about 2 weeks also should I continue with hydrocorizone at all besides the calamine lotion

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
When teh rash is crusted!

Detailed Answer:
HI,

When the rash is crusted, then you are no longer contagious.

I wish you well.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar