Charles asks…
How long is shingles contagious on a solid surface?
A lady at work has shingles. We are wondering how long the virus lives on solid surfaces. As in, if she touches a desk, if I (have never had Chickenpox) touch the desk will I get it?
admin answers:
I found this article it may be helpful. My sister had shingles but I had the chickenpox before, they just told me at the hospital as long as I did not eat or drink after her I would be ok or use her hairbrush?? There may be a chance that you could I would recommend that you wash your hands before and after you go near her.
Anyone who’s had chickenpox has the potential of developing shingles. However, it’s most common in older adults: More than half the shingles cases occur in adults over 60.
In addition, people with weakened immune systems from HIV/AIDS, those who are receiving medical treatments, such as steroids, radiation and chemotherapy, or those who have a history of bone or lymphatic cancer are more likely to develop shingles. Most people develop shingles only once, but recurrences in other areas are possible.
A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox before. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox, however, not shingles. The infection can be serious for certain groups of people with immune system deficiencies. The varicella-zoster virus cannot be spread to another person with a normal immune system who has already had chickenpox.
Until the shingles blisters scab over, avoid physical contact with:
Anyone who’s never had chickenpox
Anyone who has a weak immune system
Newborns
Pregnant women (A chickenpox infection can be dangerous for the developing baby.)
Susan asks…
How are shingles contagious? And how to they spread? ?
As its almost xmas, i am really worried because my grandpa has had a case of shingles and we were going to go to their place for christmas. I have a 2 month old boy who hasnt had the vaccine yet. I’m just wondering how they spread- is it through direct skin contact only or can it spread through air aswell? I really want to see them at christmas time but wont risk my babies health.
admin answers:
Well, it would be nice if your grandpa could get the shingles vaccination because your baby would be able to catch chickenpox from him if the shingles come back again.
I think it’s exposure to the rash that would do it.
Your baby could not catch shingles but could catch chickenpox.
David asks…
Is Shingles Contagious – I am 25 weeks pregnant?
I have just gotten over a serious case of flu which developed into a nasty cough which caused me to tear my last rib (very eina). I have just found out that one of my staff has shingles – is it contagious ?? I know what it is but cant remember whether it is contagious or not. I know pregnant womens immune is low already and mine is even lower coz I have been sick and I really dont want to get shingles.
admin answers:
It is if you’ve never had chickenpox. If you’re not sure if you have chickenpox or not you should have a titer done to see if you’re immune. You should talk to your doctor about this and try to stay away from this coworker as much as possible. And don’t forget to wash those hands whenever possible or coming into contact with something after the coworker.
Lisa asks…
is shingles contagious even if there is no breakout? if so who can get it?
Is shingles highly contagious? What if the person is not broken out at the time and my face touches their face, would i still get it? What is shingles exactly? If they are broken out and my face touches their face would I get shingles?
admin answers:
Its only really contagious if there is a breakout. Shingles is caused by the chicken pox virus, and is always dormant in your body once you catch it. However you cant pass it on to other people unless you are having an outbreak. Typically, shingles outbreaks happen when people are already sick or when they are having immune system problems (such as people with HIV)
Carol asks…
How long are shingles contagious for?
My grandmother was going to come and visit me and my 4 month old daughter but she found out she is in the beginning stages of shingles. She got her meds asap (today) and was supposed to come visit on Friday. We live 2 states away…but how long should she wait before coming to visit my little one???
admin answers:
Are you contagious?
A person with shingles can pass the varicella-zoster virus to anyone who hasn’t had chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox, however, not shingles.
Chickenpox can be dangerous for some groups of people. Until your shingles blisters scab over, you are contagious and should avoid physical contact with:
* Anyone who has a weak immune system
* Newborns
* Pregnant women
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