Is Shingles Contagious?

Because of the very visible rash that accompanies every case of shingles, many people are concerned about shingles being contagious. Whether you have shingles and are worried about spreading it to others, or someone close to you is currently suffering from shingles, it is important to understand the extent to which shingles is contagious.

Shingles can not be spread from one person to another. Regardless of what kind of contact you have with someone that has shingles, they cannot give it to you. However, it is important to understand that a person with shingles can still spread a form of the disorder. For those adults who did not have chickenpox as a child, it is important to avoid close contact with an individual that has shingles. A person with shingles can actually spread chickenpox to an adult who has not ever had chickenpox through open blisters. Therefore, not only is important the individual with shingles properly cover their rash with clothing or dressing, but also that any adult who has not had chickenpox avoid skin to skin contact with anyone that currently has shingles.

Although shingles is not contagious, it is still a condition that affects approximately twenty percent of all adults. Because of this, researchers are currently looking for ways to decrease the incidence of shingles. The most promising advance so far is the VZV vaccine. The VZV vaccine is currently used to prevent chickenpox, and researchers are currently pursuing ways to use it as a preventative measure against shingles.

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