Suggest Precautions To Be Taken By A Person With Shingles While In Public

Posted on Sun, 29 Nov 2015

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

Sun, 29 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have shingles. I'm on my second round of antiviral medicine - 10 days, 5 pills a day. The rash seems a little less, but I've discovered shingles is very stubborn. It is still red, but contained it seems. No blisters as yet, maybe one. No crusting over. I'm afraid this isn't going away. I am under care of physician. I haven't been out in public as I fear making others sick, especially those children not vaccinated like my 4 grandchildren, pregnant mothers, newborns, those who haven't had chicken pox. Any advice.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (5 hours later)

Brief answer....you can keep the rash covered and go out.
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
I can understand your concern regarding small unvaccinated children in your family.
It is the passing of blister fluid from one person to other person by touch which is responsible for transmitting chicken pox.
If you keep your rash covered and if you keep washing your hands repeatedly and avoid touching children then there are practically no chance of transmitting virus.
Moreover you must also know that this virus doesn't get transmitted by coughing and sneezing.
I hope it helps however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar