Shingles, how contagious?!
Question:
Shingles, how contagious?
My Father has just begun to develop shingles, I have spent the last 2 days staying with him.
I have had shingles myself 12 months ago. I am staying with freinds this weekend who have young kids, is it possible that I could pass on this virus to them in the form of "chicken pox".
Answers:
Shingles is not infectious in the same way as chickenpox, where the virus can be passed on in coughs and sneezes. However, shingles is contagious. This means it can be passed on by direct contact. Fluid from shingles blisters can cause chickenpox in people who are not already immune. People with shingles should avoid those with a lowered immunity
There is no cure for shingles. However, the symptoms can be controlled, especially if treated at an early stage before the blisters begin to appear. Most attacks clear up on their own. However, shingles can recur.