Are Shingles contagious?The Herpes zoster virus mostly affects adults - and older adults more frequently than younger ones. Chicken pox, on the other hand, is generally considered a childhood disease. The blisters in the Herpes zoster rash begin to form a few days after redness and other symptoms appear in the affected area. (Click here to learn other symptoms of Shingles) At what stages are Shingles contagious?• The contagious period is from when the blisters of the rash appear until the crusts are fully formed over the blisters - in 10 to 12 days. • The Herpes zoster virus was originally thought to be spread only by direct contact with fluid from the open blisters/sores. • One study, however, reports that the herpes zoster virus may be released into the air from Shingles' sores. If this is correct, the virus may be communicable in other ways besides direct contact. How to protect yourself and others • To contain the Herpes zoster virus, cover the blisters or open sores with a type of dressing (hydrocolloid dressing) that absorbs fluids and protects the sores.
Note: A hydrocolloid dressing is sterile, quickly absorbs fluids, protects sores and blocks the virus from spreading. It combines a super-absorbent pad with an outer polyurethane layer to form a barrier to water and bacteria, yet allow the transmission of oxygen and moisture vapor, creating optimal conditions for wound healing. • Don't share your towels and clothing, and don't let anyone touch your sores, if they're so inclined for some reason!! • Wash your hands well after you put a dressing on your blisters or sores and discard old bandages in the trash. Are shingles contagious or dangerous for specific people?Until the blisters crust over, avoid all physical contact with anyone who's never had chicken pox.......with anyone who has a weak immune system.......with newborns.......and with pregnant women. (A chicken pox infection can be dangerous for a developing baby.)Are shingle contagious if you've already had them?• Most adults who have had shingles do not get them again. • You can only get shingles from your own chicken pox virus, not from someone else. • If you are exposed to the Herpes zoster virus but haven't already had chicken pox, you won't get shingles but you MAY get chicken pox. • The virus cannot be spread to another person with a normal immune system or one who has already had chicken pox. Are shingles contagious if you've had the chicken pox vaccine?Since 1995, after the advent of the chicken pox vaccine, 60 percent or more of American youngsters have received the immunization. The vaccine is reported to have prevented about 80% of children from getting a serious case of the natural infection. The thinking is that as fewer people get chicken pox, fewer will have the virus dormant in their systems, hence the number of cases of shingles should also lessen. However, it's not yet known if the less-severe cases of chicken pox or the virus in the vaccine will leave the virus dormant in immunization recipients' systems, ready to reactivate at a later date as shingles. It will be many years until data is gathered and studied over the next few decades as the subjects who received the vaccine reach the age of 50. Age 50+ is when most cases of herpes zoster virus occur. The answer to the question "Are Shingles contagious" is both yes and no. Knowledge of the conditions under which the virus is communicable gives you ways to stop it's spread to you or others. If you goof, apologize. If you apologize, mean it. If you smile, mean that too. Unknown
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