What Are The Chances I Exposed Them To My Shingles And They Will Get Sick?

Posted on Wed, 23 Apr 2025

Question: HI there. I have a rash on my chest that I am worried may be shingles. We thought it was an allergic reaction at first. I was holding my nieces (one is 3 and one just turned 1, the 1 year old just had her first dose of varicella vaccine last Thursday) and reading books with them two days after the rash appeared. It has been completely covered by clothing the entire time. I have stopped interacting with them completely. What are the chances I exposed them to my shingles and they will get sick?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry about transmitting chicken pox to kids.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

If you have shingles the probability of giving chicken pox to unvaccinated kids is very high.
Fortunately she had her vaccine on last Thursday so she is protected .
She will not develop symptoms or they will be very mild.
Only about 15% -20 %of kids how receive chicken pox vaccine will get symptoms if exposed to it and symptoms will be mild.
The 3 year old one has received two doses so she is protected.
So don't worry about transmitting chicken pox to kids

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

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad