My 6 Month Old May Have Been Exposed To Shingles

Posted on Sun, 30 Jun 2019

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

Sun, 30 Jun 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : My 6 month old may have been exposed to shingles. She was around someone during the pins and needles, pain, and rash phase, no blisters (yet). Anti-viral was started with this person on Friday, will they be contagious to my 6 month old by Tuesday, 4 days of the anti viral?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Transmission possibility is high.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I think the risk that your baby can get varicella is high.
Even though blisters are the most contagious the transmission can happen even in rash phase.
I think your can closely observe your baby. He may need to start an antiviral with 24 hours of the appearance of the first signs of rash.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T