Shingles is contagious only during the period when the rash has active, oozing blisters. The virus can be spread through direct contact with fluid from these blisters to a person who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, causing them to develop chickenpox (not shingles). Once the rash crusts and the blisters are no longer open or oozing, the contagious period ends, which typically lasts about 7 to 10 days after the rash appears. Covering the rash and practicing good hygiene help prevent spreading the virus during this time.
Key points about shingles contagiousness:
- Shingles itself is not contagious; only the varicella-zoster virus causing it can be transmitted.
- Transmission occurs through direct contact with fluid from active blisters.
- The contagious period starts when blisters appear and lasts until they crust over and heal.
- After crusting, the risk of transmission is very low.
- People who have had chickenpox or the vaccine cannot catch shingles from others.
- Those at risk of catching chickenpox from shingles include people who never had chickenpox or the vaccine, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals.
Therefore, to prevent contagion, it is important to keep the shingles rash covered and avoid touching the blisters until they have completely healed.
