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How Is Shingles Transmitted?
Question: I was just in a local shop and the clerk told me that he had shingles. Do I have anything to be concerned about? I live with my 84 year old mother and neither of us has been vacinnated.
Brief Answer:
Better to be aware than unaware, stay safe
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help.
Shingles can be transmitted (is contagious) through contact. A rash with or without the blisters (as we cannot be sure of this) present on the individual who has the infection is the main source of transmission, which is why infected individuals are advised to keep their rash covered, avoid scratching it and to wash their hands regularly.
As this individual works at the store you visited, there is a chance he/she has come in contact with objects in the store that you may also have come in contact with.
Now that this has already occurred, I would like to educate you about what you may have to do and when. First, please make sure you take a shower in a most thorough manner. Put the clothes you wore for a hot wash, and make sure you clean everything you came in contact with at home.
The next thing you need to keep in mind is to keep observing your body for the appearance of a rash from anywhere between 10-21 days after exposure to the infected individual. If at all you appear to be developing a rash, please report to a doctor immediately so treatment can be initiated (which includes the administration of anti-viral medication). The earlier we initiate this, the sooner the infection can be treated and more effectively.
It is less likely for you to contract the infection through such a scenario, but is still possible which is why I wish to keep you well informed.
I hope you have not contracted the infection, and continue living your life in good health and spirit. I also hope you find my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
Better to be aware than unaware, stay safe
Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help.
Shingles can be transmitted (is contagious) through contact. A rash with or without the blisters (as we cannot be sure of this) present on the individual who has the infection is the main source of transmission, which is why infected individuals are advised to keep their rash covered, avoid scratching it and to wash their hands regularly.
As this individual works at the store you visited, there is a chance he/she has come in contact with objects in the store that you may also have come in contact with.
Now that this has already occurred, I would like to educate you about what you may have to do and when. First, please make sure you take a shower in a most thorough manner. Put the clothes you wore for a hot wash, and make sure you clean everything you came in contact with at home.
The next thing you need to keep in mind is to keep observing your body for the appearance of a rash from anywhere between 10-21 days after exposure to the infected individual. If at all you appear to be developing a rash, please report to a doctor immediately so treatment can be initiated (which includes the administration of anti-viral medication). The earlier we initiate this, the sooner the infection can be treated and more effectively.
It is less likely for you to contract the infection through such a scenario, but is still possible which is why I wish to keep you well informed.
I hope you have not contracted the infection, and continue living your life in good health and spirit. I also hope you find my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you.
Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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