Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, can spread through direct contact with the rash or blisters caused by the virus. However, it’s important to note that shingles is not as contagious as some other viral infections, such as the flu or chickenpox.
If a person has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, they can contract chickenpox from contact with the fluid-filled blisters of someone who has shingles. This is because shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus.
If a person who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine comes into contact with the shingles rash or blisters, they may develop chickenpox. However, if someone has already had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine, they are at a lower risk of developing chickenpox or shingles through contact with someone who has shingles.
It’s important to avoid contact with the shingles rash or blisters, and to wash your hands regularly if you are caring for someone with shingles. Additionally, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or cancer, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from shingles and should avoid contact with anyone who has shingles.
