Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. While shingles itself is not contagious, the virus that causes it can be transmitted.
How Shingles Spreads
The varicella-zoster virus spreads through direct contact with the fluid from active shingles blisters. Individuals who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine may develop chickenpox if they come into contact with this fluid. Once a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in their nerve tissue and can reactivate later in life as shingles.
It is highly unlikely for the virus to be transmitted through saliva or nasal secretions. This means that speaking, coughing, or sneezing by someone with shingles typically does not spread the virus.
What Triggers a Shingles Outbreak?
Most people who have had chickenpox carry the varicella-zoster virus in a dormant state. However, the virus reactivates in approximately one-third of these individuals. The exact reasons why some people develop shingles while others do not are not fully understood.
The risk of developing shingles increases with age, with about half of all cases occurring after the age of 60, and the risk significantly rising from age 70 onward. Other factors that may increase the likelihood of a shingles outbreak include health conditions affecting the immune system, medications that suppress the immune system, and excessive sun exposure.
Contagious Period of Shingles
The contagious period for shingles lasts as long as there is an active rash with oozing or open blisters, typically for 7 to 10 days. The status of the rash is more critical than the number of days. To prevent transmission, it is essential to keep shingles rashes covered from the moment blisters begin to form until they have crusted and scabbed over. A rash generally clears completely after about four weeks.
Preventing the Spread of Shingles
If you have shingles and are otherwise healthy, you can generally maintain your daily routine. However, certain precautions can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others:
Keep the shingles rash clean and covered: This helps prevent accidental contact with the blisters, especially when around children and older adults.
Wash hands frequently: Good hand hygiene and avoiding touching the blisters are important.
Avoid contact with pregnant individuals: The varicella-zoster virus can pose serious health risks to both pregnant people and their babies.
Avoid other at-risk individuals: If possible, limit proximity to premature babies, infants with low birth weights, children who have not had chickenpox or its vaccine, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Shingles Vaccination
The chickenpox vaccine is recommended for children, as preventing chickenpox also helps prevent shingles later in life.
For adults, the Shingrix vaccine is available to help prevent shingles. Health professionals recommend this vaccine for all healthy adults aged 50 years and older. It is administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart, as an injection in the arm. This double dose offers over 90% protection, which remains above 85% for at least four years.
Individuals can receive the Shingrix vaccine even if they have previously had shingles, are unsure if they had chickenpox, or have received the older Zostavax vaccine (discontinued before 2020). It is important to note that the vaccine will not resolve an active case of shingles. A healthcare professional can provide further information and recommendations regarding vaccination.
Living with Shingles: Common Questions
It is generally acceptable to be around someone with shingles, provided there is no direct contact with their active blisters or the surrounding area. The virus is not typically contracted from saliva or by touching other parts of the body without a rash.
Sleeping in the same bed as someone with shingles is usually safe if their rash is fully covered. A shingles outbreak may last 3 to 5 weeks, but the virus is only transmissible during the active blistering phase, which can last up to 10 days.
If blisters are kept covered, staying home may not be necessary. However, shingles can be very painful, which might make working difficult. When around grandchildren or babies, it is highly recommended to avoid direct contact with infants. The risk can be decreased by completely covering the rash, frequent handwashing, ensuring children are vaccinated for varicella (if indicated), and avoiding skin-to-skin contact. Kissing is unlikely to spread the virus unless there are weeping blisters on the face or lips.
Leave a Reply