Currently Have Shingles And Started Course Of Aciclivir. How Long Is Shingles Contagious?

Posted on Wed, 3 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 3 Jul 2013 Answered on

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : How long is shingles contagious for. I currently have shingles and started a 7 day course of Aciclivir on Sunday when my first spot appeared.

Answered by Dr. Guru (42 minutes later)

Hi,

Thank you for consulting HealthcareMagic!
Shingles (Herpes zoster) is much less infective than chicken pox (both caused by the virus Varicella. Patient usually remains infective for about 7 days from the day of onset of rash.

It is advisable to avoid contact with infants and young children who have never had chickenpox and avoid contact with the immunocompromised and those undergoing chemotherapy.

Please let me know if you have any further queries!

Take Care!

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E