From the Guidelines
Yes, shingles can be transmitted to people who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, but the risk is relatively low, approximately 20% of the risk for transmission from varicella 1. When someone has shingles, they don't spread shingles itself but rather the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox in those who aren't immune. Transmission occurs through:
- Direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters
- Inhalation of aerosols from vesicular fluid of skin lesions of acute varicella or zoster 1 To prevent transmission, it is recommended to:
- Cover shingles rashes with clean, non-stick bandages until all blisters have crusted over
- Wash hands frequently
- Avoid contact with high-risk individuals like pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems If you're exposed to someone with shingles and have never had chickenpox or the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider about receiving the varicella vaccine, which may prevent infection if given within 3-5 days of exposure. The virus remains dormant in your body after chickenpox and can reactivate later in life as shingles, but you cannot "catch" shingles directly from someone else. Key points to consider:
- Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox
- The risk of transmission is higher for people who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
- Prevention measures, such as covering the rash and washing hands frequently, can help reduce the risk of transmission
- The varicella vaccine may be effective in preventing infection if given within 3-5 days of exposure 1
From the Research
Transmission 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.
- The virus can reactivate years or decades after the initial chickenpox infection, leading to a painful rash and other symptoms 2, 3, 4.
- The transmission of shingles is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur through contact with the rash or vesicles of an infected person 3.
- However, people with shingles cannot transmit the virus to others, but they can transmit the varicella-zoster virus to people who have not had chickenpox, causing them to develop chickenpox, not shingles 3.
Risk Factors for Transmission
- People with weakened immune systems, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, cancer, or taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk of developing shingles and transmitting the virus to others 2, 3.
- The risk of transmission is also higher in people who have not received the varicella-zoster virus vaccine or have not had chickenpox in the past 3, 5.