Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is Shingles Contagious?
A friend of mine contracted the shingles virus. She has two locations: one on her breast/chest area, and one on her arm. They have been diagnosed by a doctor, and she has the proper meds now. I have had chickenpox as a child, and understand that I would not be able to contact either chickenpox again, or the shingles virus. But, how contagious IS my friend? Can she go around other people and go to work ? Even if she attempts to not touch the area, etc ? Or should she err on the side of caution and stay home a few days until the virus starts to scab over ? thank you, Morrine Bradford
Wed, 29 Jan 2020
Hi,
Yes, shingles is contagious to people who have never had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated.
Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past can develop shingles. When people get chickenpox the virus remains in the body.
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus from its latent phase if someone's immune system is lowered or during stress, or treatments like chemotherapy.
The virus spreads through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters. Your friend can be contagious until the last blister has scabbed over.
This will usually occur after about 10 to 14 days, till then she should avoid contact with pregnant women who may not have had chickenpox or the vaccine, people with weak immune systems, and newborns.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
Yes, shingles is contagious to people who have never had chickenpox and have not been vaccinated.
Anyone who has had chickenpox in the past can develop shingles. When people get chickenpox the virus remains in the body.
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus from its latent phase if someone's immune system is lowered or during stress, or treatments like chemotherapy.
The virus spreads through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters. Your friend can be contagious until the last blister has scabbed over.
This will usually occur after about 10 to 14 days, till then she should avoid contact with pregnant women who may not have had chickenpox or the vaccine, people with weak immune systems, and newborns.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....