Richard asks…
How contagious is shingles? I heard the virus is basically only in the rash area, is that true?
Can it be passed through saliva or touch or that sort of thing?
Yeah, I know it’s in the same class as the herpes virus but that’s the only similarity.
admin answers:
It is a strain of the chicken pox virus, so it is just a contagious as that. But it is unlikely that someone will get it. It is more likely to transfer to someone that has not had the chicken pox or the vaccination.
Michael asks…
Is shingles contagious? What are the chances of me getting it if one of my parents has it?
admin answers:
Yes it very contagious and painful . It is in the Herpes Zoster category and any herpes is contagious until it dries up. You need medical attention. If anyone touches you where you have it or even on towels and such, they can’t get it. Get treated.
Paul asks…
In what cases is shingles contagious?
We just found out that my brother has shingles, and the doctor said it isn’t contagious, but websites list is as contagious. Is it only contagious if you haven’t had chicken pox before? I’m just a little confused about all this…
admin answers:
I had shingles before and i went to doctor and the first day i took meds i started getting better and within 3 days totally gone
stop worrying trust me stop worrying
William asks…
How long will my Shingles last and be contagious to people who have not had Chicken Pox?
I was recently diagnosed with shingles. It is extremely painful and I can barely function. They started me on Valtrex yesterday. My problem is that I am due with a baby is 2 1/2 WEEKS. The Doctor said that if my Shingles are not gone then my baby will get chicken pox. Does anyone know how long it should take to go away with my Valtrex. I am so worried. Thanks in advance.
admin answers:
I am sorry you have to deal with this when you are pregnant I am sure it is very scary for you, and Lord knows it is extremely painful!
If you have to have Shingles or Chicken Pox while pregnant, you are in the better of the time periods right now. Before 30 weeks there is a chance of birth defects, if acquired just before birth it can cause very serious complications. If acquired during this time period your body has a couple of weeks to deal with the virus and to help protect your baby, and that is what it will attempt to do. In the next couple of weeks your body will build up what they call antibodies. These antibodies will be passed on to the baby and will help the baby deal with the virus should it still be present at the time of birth. They say that if you have an outbreak of shingles or Chicken Pox 5 – 21 days prior to birth then you will have the opportunity to build up these needed antibodies anything more than 21 days and I suppose you clear the virus and anything less than 5 days does not allow for you to build up the needed antibodies. You are so close to the far end of this time table with 2 1/2 weeks to go. If I were you I would feel more comfortable than not. Combined with the fact that you are on the anti-viral drugs, I would try to relax and enjoy the last couple of weeks of your pregnancy. Try to make a calm and nurturing environment for you and your unborn baby. Do not feel like you have to be superwoman! Do what you have to do to make yourself comfortable physically and this includes taking your medication. Your child is mostly developed, so if you need something for the pain take it. Your doctor will not prescribe anything that will harm you or your baby so if he says it is OK to take then by all means take it. Listen to what your doctor has to say. He will be honest with you. He/ she will tell you up front of the potential complications of this situation. They are not in the habit of sugar coating or lying about important issues such as this.If you have questions make sure you ask, and if you feel that you can’t get his/her attention, make sure to demand it!
Good luck.
George asks…
Is shingles contagious and unsafe for pregnant ladies?
my daughter is 6 months pregnant and we just found out her older brother who doesnt live with us has shingles,,,should he avoid contact with her?
admin answers:
Shingles is a form of the herpes virus, so yes, it is contagious. However it is easy to take precautions. As long as she doesn’t come in contact with his weeping wounds, she should be safe. That is, have her avoid doing his wash or his linens, and avoid physical contact unless she is wearing gloves. If she must handle him, have her wash her hands afterwards.
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