Is Shingles Contagious? What You Need to Know

Date: Aug-03-2016 Shingles is a painful viral infection and can occur in anyone who has at one time had chickenpox. The varicella zoster virus remains inactive in the nerve tissue close to the spinal cord and brain awaiting reactivation.

Every year in the United States, over 1 million people will be affected by the herpes zoster virus, also known as shingles. Over one half of shingles cases affect people over 60 years old.

Although the viruses behind shingles are part of the herpes virus family, they are not the same viruses that cause genital herpes and cold sores.

Contents of this article:

How is shingles spread?

Signs and symptoms of shingles

Diagnosis and treatment

Prevention of shingles

How is shingles spread?

Many people with shingles wonder if they are contagious. While the varicella zoster virus can be spread to those who have not had chickenpox, shingles itself cannot.

The virus behind shingles can be spread to other people. Shingles itself is not contagious.

This transmission, which only occurs through direct contact with blisters, would cause chickenpox in someone who has never been infected with the virus. During the times before blisters and after crusting, there is no risk of viral transmission.

Ways to prevent viral transmission include:

Covering the rash and avoiding touching it

Practicing good hand hygiene by frequently washing both hands

Avoiding coming into contact with certain people after blisters have formed

People to avoid after blisters have formed include:

Pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or received the shot for it

Infants born early or those of low birth weight

People with weakened immune systems

People with weakened immune systems includes those on immunosuppressive medications, chemotherapy, those with HIV, and those who have had an organ transplant.

Risk factors

There are certain people who are at a higher risk for developing shingles:

People with weakened immune systems from conditions such as HIV, leukemia, or lymphoma

People who are treated with medications that suppress the immune system

People who are taking medications after receiving a transplant

People who have had chickenpox

People who are over 50 years old

People should speak to a doctor about any risk factors that they may be worried about. The doctor may be able to give advice on how to reduce the risk.

Signs and symptoms of shingles

People who develop shingles can experience the following symptoms:

Blisters and rashes are two symptoms of shingles.

A one-sided stripe of blisters wrapping around the side of the torso, body, or face

Pain, which can be intense at times

A widespread rash

Rash in the eye

Fluid-filled blisters that scab within 7-10 days and resolve within 2-4 weeks

Fever

Headache

Chills

Upset stomach

Sensitivity to touch or light

Itching

Tiredness

Many people who are affected will experience pain, itching, or tingling at the site of the rash around 1-5 days before the shingles outbreak. A rash and pain may not be present during some outbreaks.

Complications of shingles

Shingles can cause complications that can be severe and include:

Loss of vision caused by shingles in or near the eye

Eye infections

Nerve problems such as brain swelling, facial paralysis, hearing problems, and problems with balance

Skin infections caused by bacteria

Other more rare complications include pneumonia and death

Prolonged pain, referred to as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), can also occur. PHN can result in pain in the location of the rash and blisters after they have gone, which can be severe. This pain can be present for years following the rash.

Diagnosis and treatment of shingles

Most commonly, shingles is diagnosed on pain history and a physical exam. At times, a sample of the virus can be obtained and tested.

Although the shingles virus cannot be cured, medicinal treatment is available. This includes the use of medications like acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex), and famciclovir (Famvir).

Fluid-filled blisters caused by shingles will eventually scab over. Keeping rashes clean helps reduce the risk of infection.

Pain can be reduced by using certain medications including:

Topical capsaicin cream, wet compresses, calamine lotion, and colloidal oatmeal baths

Gabapentin (Neurontin) - a drug to prevent fits and sudden, irregular movements

Amitriptyline - an antidepressant

Numbing medication, such as lidocaine cream, gel, skin patch, or spray

Mood-altering medications

Injected corticosteroids and local anesthetics

Living with a shingles rash can be made more comfortable by taking steps to relieve the symptoms. Keeping any rashes clean and dry helps to reduce the risk of them becoming infected. Wearing loose clothing can also help people to feel less uncomfortable while waiting for a rash to clear.

Prevention of shingles

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that people over 60 years old are vaccinated with the shingles vaccine at least once. The varicella-zoster shot, known as Zostavax, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for those over 50 years old.

Although people can still get shingles following the shot, the duration and severity of shingles may be reduced. Receiving the shot may also lower the risk of developing PHN.

People should speak with their healthcare provider to see if vaccination is the right choice for them. The shot should be avoided in those with an existing infection, pregnancy, or a weakened immune system.

The CDC also recommend that children, teens, and adults receive the chickenpox shot in two doses. Although the virus may still be caught, the CDC report that the vaccination may offer milder symptoms if this happens.

Again, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is the right decision.

Written by Lori Smith BSN MSN CRNP

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.