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Is Shingles Contagious?
Is shingles's contagious? My Mother was said to have chicken pox when I was about 4 months along. I have never had chicken pox. I'm 71,years old & my caretaker developed shingles. We are great friends now and I need to know about her future as well.
Nikki Krakauer
480-889-4878
YYYY@YYYY
Nikki Krakauer
480-889-4878
YYYY@YYYY
Thu, 19 Jan 2017
Hi,
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (same cause chicken pox). Once you get chicken pox then it remains inside your body in dormant stage. Shingles occurs when this virus gets activated in later life, mostly in aged people with poor immunity.
Shingles can not be passed from one person to another. However the shingles virus can be passed to another person if he never had chicken pox in his life. But shingles may occur by contacting fluid of blister. A person is not contagious before the blisters appear or once the crusts form over the blisters.
Do not touch patient's rash and shake hand. Generally shingles symptoms will disappear in 2-3 weeks with anti viral and analgesic medicine. But chance of recurrence is high.
Hope this may help you. Contact further if follow up needed.
Best regards,
Dr. Sagar
Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (same cause chicken pox). Once you get chicken pox then it remains inside your body in dormant stage. Shingles occurs when this virus gets activated in later life, mostly in aged people with poor immunity.
Shingles can not be passed from one person to another. However the shingles virus can be passed to another person if he never had chicken pox in his life. But shingles may occur by contacting fluid of blister. A person is not contagious before the blisters appear or once the crusts form over the blisters.
Do not touch patient's rash and shake hand. Generally shingles symptoms will disappear in 2-3 weeks with anti viral and analgesic medicine. But chance of recurrence is high.
Hope this may help you. Contact further if follow up needed.
Best regards,
Dr. Sagar
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