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Can I Get Shingles By Being Around A Person With It?
Posted on
Sun, 14 Sep 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 14 Sep 2014
Answered on
Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : Can I get shingle by being around a person with it?
Brief Answer:
Virus can be transmitted by contact with blisters
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Not necessarily shingles, however the virus can be transmitted by coming in contact with a person having shingles. Studies have shown that Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles, the varicella zoster virus, can be spread from a person with active shingles to another person who has never had chickenpox. The only way to reduce any complications arising fro transmission of virus is to get vaccinated. This is recommended for adults over 60 years of age.
The virus is spread through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters caused by shingles.
When the rash is in the blister phase, a person with active shingles can spread the virus, a person is not infectious before the blisters appear. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Virus can be transmitted by contact with blisters
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Not necessarily shingles, however the virus can be transmitted by coming in contact with a person having shingles. Studies have shown that Shingles cannot be passed from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles, the varicella zoster virus, can be spread from a person with active shingles to another person who has never had chickenpox. The only way to reduce any complications arising fro transmission of virus is to get vaccinated. This is recommended for adults over 60 years of age.
The virus is spread through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters caused by shingles.
When the rash is in the blister phase, a person with active shingles can spread the virus, a person is not infectious before the blisters appear. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer contagious.
Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Does a person have to directly touch the infected area of shingles in ordèr to get it?
Brief Answer:
Touching blister fluid transmits the infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The person who comes in contact with the fluid in blisters has the greatest risk of developing infection. There is no transmission once crusts form.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Touching blister fluid transmits the infection
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
The person who comes in contact with the fluid in blisters has the greatest risk of developing infection. There is no transmission once crusts form.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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