Shingles Can Spread?
Can Shingles Spread?
Shingles is a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It’s easily spread through contact with fluid from a shingles blisters. But, can it be spread to other people?
Shingles Not Contagious
Shingles is not a contagious disease like chickenpox, which can be spread to others through direct contact or by breathing in particles from fluid in the blisters of an infected person. Shingles can only occur in someone who already has the virus from chickenpox.
Risk of Spreading Shingles
People with shingles are still at risk of spreading the virus, but the risk is much lower. This is because the virus doesn’t survive long when it’s outside of its host – and it’s impossible to catch shingles from someone else.
The only way someone else can catch the virus is if they’ve recently had chickenpox and haven’t fully recovered yet. This is because there may still be some virus particles in their body that can then be ‘activated’ by the shingles virus.
How to Protect Others From Shingles
To reduce the chances of spreading the virus, it’s important to follow the following guidelines:
- Cover Up Blisters: Cover up the blisters with something that resists the virus, like a dressing. Change the dressing regularly.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly with soap and water to avoid spreading the virus to other parts of your body or to other people.
- Avoid Touching Other People: Do not touch or hug other people while you have shingles.
- See a Doctor: See your doctor as soon as possible so they can diagnose and treat the infection.
In conclusion, shingles can not be spread directly from person to person as it is not contagious in that way. However, people with shingles should take extra care to avoid spreading the virus indirectly by covering blisters, practicing good hygiene and avoiding contact with others. It’s also important to see a doctor as soon as possible to begin treatment.
