From the Guidelines
Shingles itself is not contagious, but the virus that causes it, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), can be transmitted to others, potentially causing chickenpox in susceptible individuals. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of VZV, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox 1. A person with active shingles can spread the virus to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters, not through coughing, sneezing, or casual contact 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The virus is spread through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters, which can be prevented by covering the rash with clean, non-stick bandages until they crust over, typically within 7-10 days.
- Avoid contact with pregnant women who have never had chickenpox, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems during this time, as they are at higher risk of complications.
- Maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding touching the rash can help prevent spreading the virus to others.
- The risk of spreading the virus is significantly reduced once the blisters have crusted over.
Prevention and Precautions
To prevent transmission, it is essential to take precautions, such as:
- Covering the shingles rash with clean, non-stick bandages
- Avoiding contact with susceptible individuals, such as pregnant women, newborns, and people with weakened immune systems
- Maintaining good hand hygiene
- Avoiding touching the rash By taking these precautions, individuals with shingles can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others and prevent potential complications.
From the Research
Contagiousness of Shingles
- Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The virus can be spread from person to person through direct contact with the rash, but it is not contagious before the rash appears or after the rash has crusted over 2.
- People with shingles can spread the virus to others who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox, not shingles 2, 3.
Transmission and Prevention
- The risk of transmission can be reduced by avoiding contact with the rash and keeping the rash covered 2, 5.
- Antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, can help reduce the severity and duration of shingles, as well as the risk of transmission 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Vaccination against chickenpox can also help prevent the development of shingles later in life 2, 3.
Key Points
- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The virus can be spread through direct contact with the rash, but it is not contagious before the rash appears or after the rash has crusted over 2.
- Antiviral medications and vaccination against chickenpox can help reduce the risk of transmission and prevent the development of shingles 3, 4, 5, 6.