From the Guidelines
Shingles is contagious from the time the rash appears until all blisters have crusted over, typically 7-10 days, as stated in the guidelines for health-care personnel exposed to or infected with certain vaccine-preventable diseases and conditions 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine.
- The virus cannot be spread through coughing or sneezing, and a person with shingles cannot give someone else shingles directly, but can transmit the virus that may cause chickenpox in a susceptible individual.
- To prevent transmission, it is recommended to cover the rash with loose bandages, avoid touching or scratching the rash, wash hands frequently, and avoid contact with high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems until the blisters have completely crusted over.
- According to the KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the care of kidney transplant recipients, treatment with oral acyclovir or valacyclovir should be continued at least until all lesions have scabbed 1.
Recommendations for Management
- Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir, started within 72 hours of rash appearance, can reduce the duration of viral shedding and help shorten the contagious period.
- It is essential to follow proper precautions to prevent transmission, especially in high-risk individuals, and to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
- The guidelines emphasize the importance of covering the rash, avoiding contact with high-risk individuals, and practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of the varicella-zoster virus 1.
From the Research
Shingles Contagious Period
- The provided studies do not directly address the question of how long shingles is contagious 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is known that shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
- People with shingles can spread the virus to others who have not had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against it.
- The virus is spread through direct contact with the rash or by airborne transmission when the rash is in the blister phase.
- The contagious period of shingles is typically considered to be from the time the rash appears until all the blisters have crusted over, usually around 7-10 days.
Antiviral Treatment and Contagious Period
- Antiviral medications such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir can help reduce the severity and duration of shingles symptoms, including the contagious period 3, 4, 5.
- These medications work by reducing the replication of the virus, which can help shorten the time it takes for the rash to crust over and become less contagious.
- However, the exact impact of antiviral treatment on the contagious period of shingles is not well established and may vary depending on individual factors.