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Are shingles contageus?

I recently came down with shingles, and am worried that if I am around people that it might be contageous. I have checked out all the online medical websites, and they are all very detailed about what shingles is and its symptoms, they're just kind of vague on the topic of whether its contageous or not.

16 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    YES! Read below: Shingles are related to the virus that causes chicken pox, which is the herpes zoster virus. While chicken pox generally affects children, when it appears in adults and teens it can be far more serious. The incubation period is between 14 to 21 days. Symptoms start with a skin rash. Often a fever, pimples and then blisters that enlarge and become filled with pus. The skin can become very itchy. DO NOT scratch the affected areas, as it could cause scarring (believe me, I still have scars 40 years later).; The blisters dry up in a few days and are covered with scales. AFTER ALL THE BLISTERS HAVE SCABBED, THE DISEASE IS NO LONGER CONTAGIOUS.

    To help relieve symptoms, wash the affected area with a good antibacterial liquid soap, pat dry and liberally apply Tea Tree Oil

    (Melaleuca Alternifolia Oil) allow the oil to sufficiently soak into the skin. (tea tree oil penetrates to the bone level is a very effective antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, kills staph, strep, e.coli, and candida albicans among other healing virtues.)

  • 5 years ago

    1

    Source(s): Top Herpes Cure Program : http://herpesaway.oruty.com/?kIQL
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    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    2

    Source(s): 100% natural way to kill herpes... https://herpesfix.org/?vmzb4
  • 1 decade ago

    They are only contageous to the people who have never had the chicken pox when they were young. From what I know when I had shingles, if someone had the chicken pox, they cannot catch shingles from you since your system already carried the germs, but if you haven't had the chicken pox and you are around someone with shingles, you can get them really badly.

    Source(s): Experience, shingles stink but it's part of life.
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  • 1 decade ago

    As mentioned in someone else's answer, shingles is only contagious to people who have not have chicken pox yet. That is exactly what shingles is, the adult form of chicken pox. I probably wouldn't put myself around a bunch of kids who probably haven't had it yet as for adults I wouldn't worry too much.

  • 1 decade ago

    Shingles are only contagious to people who have never had chicken pox.

  • yes,itching more like chicken pox. you can get the shingles more than one time even if you had chicken pox or not. any one that is pregnant don't go near them or kids. Kids or fine because they get vaccine for it just like us.scabies you could also get also when that's gone.more like the same thing but are in itchty patches or scabs that constantly itch. hand washing is a big factor and keeping your body clean,linen and house sanitize and clean keep fresh air inside also.

    Source(s): worked in nursing facillity around some one with it.
  • 1 decade ago

    Poor you,I know what it's like. It's only contageous while the blister-type spots are active. About 4 days after the spots appear,you're no longer a threat. Hope you get better soon.

  • 1 decade ago

    you must keep away from pregnant women,also anyone who hasnt had chicken pox can get chicken pox from you

    Source(s): nurse
  • 1 decade ago

    Yes, yes, yessity, yes yes they are contagious.

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