Health Info > Infections Published on : July 16, 2024

Is Shingles Contagious? Everything You Need to Know

Written by Dr Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist

Is Shingles Contagious? Everything You Need to Know

Remember that itchy rash called chickenpox from your childhood? It has an annoying cousin which is known as shingles. Let's dive into what this shingles virus is about, how it spreads, and what you can do if you come down with it.

What is shingles?

Shingles, or Herpes zoster, is essentially chickenpox making an unwelcome comeback. It is caused by the Varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After your initial chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in your nerve cells. Years later, it can reactivate as shingles, causing a painful rash and other symptoms. The pain from shingles is more than skin deep. It's affecting your nerves and can result in pain that can range from a constant burning sensation to sharp, shooting and excruciating pains.

Is shingles contagious?

You can't catch shingles directly from someone who has it. However, if you've never had chickenpox or the vaccine, you can catch the Varicella-zoster virus from someone with shingles and end up with chickenpox. The virus spreads through direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters. Think of the person with shingles as a walking chickenpox factory. Their blisters are full of the virus, ready to find an unsuspecting host who hasn't had chickenpox before. So, if you're around someone with shingles, it's best to avoid touching their rash or sharing personal items like towels.

Who's most likely to get shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, but some people are more at risk:

Individuals over 50
People with weakened immune systems due to stress, chronic illness, or medications
Those taking immunosuppressive medications, such as steroids or chemotherapy

The virus tends to reactivate when your immune system is compromised, making it a "surprise" that no one wants.

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Shingles can sometimes show up uninvited, but often it is triggered by:

Stress
Illness
Certain medications
Aging

Anything that puts your body under pressure can potentially wake up the dormant virus. What are the symptoms of shingles: It's not just a rash Shingles is far from subtle. You might feel like you've been hit by a truck before any visible signs appear. Then follows a painful, blistery rash that usually shows up on one side of your body. The pain often starts before the rash appears, with burning, tingling, or shooting pains in a specific area. When the rash does appear, it typically follows the path of a nerve, appearing in a strip or band on one side of your body or face. It can be red, blistering, and extremely uncomfortable. The rash does not cross the midline of your body, so if it starts on your left side, it will stay on your left side.

How long are you contagious for?

From the moment those blisters pop up until they've crusted over, you're potentially contagious. This period usually lasts about a week. During this time, the fluid in the blisters is full of the virus, making you very contagious.

How to avoid spreading shingles?

If you have shingles, follow these steps to avoid spreading the virus:

Cover the Rash: Keep it covered with a bandage or clothing.
Avoid Touching: Do not touch or scratch the blisters.
Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching the rash.
Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from pregnant women, infants, and individuals with weakened immune systems (such as cancer patients).

Think of it as an opportunity to be considerate and prevent the spreading of the virus to others.

Is it OK to be around someone with shingles?

If you've had chickenpox or the vaccine, you're probably fine. However, if you haven't, it’s better to keep your distance until their rash has crusted over. Avoid close contact and do not share personal items.

Can I sleep in the same bed as someone with shingles?

It is not advisable to sleep in the same bed as someone with active shingles, especially if you have never had chickenpox or the vaccine. Close contact increases the risk of virus transmission.

Can I be around my grandchildren if I have shingles?

Avoid close contact with your grandchildren if you have shingles, particularly if they are too young to be vaccinated or have never had chickenpox. Keeping the rash covered and maintaining good hygiene can reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Should I stay home from work if I have shingles?

If your job involves close physical contact with others or if you work with vulnerable populations (e.g., healthcare, childcare), you should stay home until the blisters have crusted over. For other work environments, consult with your employer and healthcare provider for guidance.

What type of isolation is needed for shingles?

Shingles does not require complete isolation, but certain precautions should be taken:

Avoid direct contact: With individuals who have not had chickenpox or the vaccine.
Cover the rash: To prevent the spread of the virus.
Good hygiene: Frequent handwashing and avoiding touching the rash can help minimise the risk of transmission.

Treating shingles

While there is no cure for shingles, several treatments can help manage the symptoms:

Antiviral Medications: These can help if taken early.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
Cool Compresses: These can soothe the rash.
Calamine Lotion: To reduce itching and discomfort.

The key is to start treatment as soon as possible to shorten the outbreak's duration and reduce the risk of complications.

Preventing shingles

The best way to avoid shingles is to get vaccinated. The shingles vaccine is recommended for individuals over 50 and can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles. Even if you do get shingles after being vaccinated, the symptoms are likely to be milder.

The bottom line

Shingles aren't pleasant, but it doesn't have to rule your life. By understanding the condition, taking appropriate precautions, and seeking medical advice, you can manage shingles effectively. If you think you might have shingles, consult your healthcare provider online or in person for the best course of action. Remember, shingles might be a pain (literally), but with the right approach, you can navigate this challenging condition. Stay informed, stay cautious, and take care of your health to minimise the impact of shingles on your life.

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Disclaimer

This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.

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