Is shingles contagious?
Yes, you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if you have not had chickenpox before. (You cannot get shingles itself from someone who has shingles.)
The shingles rash is contagious until all the blisters have scabbed and are dry. But note: most adults and older children have already had chickenpox, and so are immune. Also, if the blisters (vesicles) are covered with a dressing, it is unlikely that the virus will pass on to others. This is because the virus is passed on by direct contact with the blisters. (Therefore, if you have a job you can return to work once the blisters have dried up, or earlier if you keep the rash covered and feel well enough.)
However, as a general rule, pregnant women who have not had chickenpox should avoid people with shingles. Also, if you have a poor immune system, you should avoid people with shingles. (See below for a list of people who have a poor immune system.) These general rules are to 'play safe', as it is direct contact with the rash that usually passes on the virus.
Also, to play safe and not risk passing on the virus to others who may not have had chickenpox, you should not share towels, go swimming, or play contact sports such as rugby whilst you have a shingles rash.
- What is shingles and how common is it?
- Are there any complications from shingles?
- What are the treatments for shingles?
More help and advice
- Expert advice on shingles
- How to relieve the pain of shingles
- How contagious is my illness?
- Read Joanne's story: 'A jabbing pain turned out to be shingles'
- Check out the full facts about chicken pox
- More on children's health
More help and advice
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Suzanne, 3 months
My Dad's has had a bad head for 2 weeks and his GP as said it is the start of shingles, he does not have a rash just a bad head up to yet. Is it safe for my 10 month old daughter to be around him? Thanks
Report this commentJOAN WILLS, about 1 year
i have had the tingling for about 2 weeks, rash appeared after 5 days but it looked like flea bites so i had been putting anthisan on it. I felt a bit drained weekend i run a pub and the rash is on my bra line so, i went to the doctors monday and was diagnosed with shingles. What i want to know is i'm going ion holiday to tenerife on 21/11 and want to know if its safe to be in the sun
Report this commentkay silk, over 2 years
ranson has ben old he has shinges.he is 7 half yr old.h do have alot problems it learning at school s he do gevery uset when he cant do is work.is it unusual for achild o is ageto get shingles?h had chicken pox when he was year old.thank kay
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Nicole, about 1 month
Your daughter would only catch chicken pocks, she will catch it eventually anyway and its better she gets it young. I wouldn't think its a a problem.
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