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Is Shingles Contagious?

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Posted on Fri, 1 Aug 2014
Question: I was just in a local store and the clerk told me that he had shingles. Is shingles contagious?
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yes, through contact!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

Active lesions are contagious if you come in contact with them. The fact that the clerk told you he has shingles and you didn't even see them in no way exposes you to contracting this virus.

Besides, this virus is the same that causes chicken pox and we have almost had this infection in our childhood. This means that there is no need to get afraid as you are most likely protected against chicken pox. Should you contract the virus, you would develop chicken pox and not shingles if you are not already protected against this.

In all, you need direct contact to be infected. You would develop chicken pox and not shingles.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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Is Shingles Contagious?

Brief Answer: Yes, through contact! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. Active lesions are contagious if you come in contact with them. The fact that the clerk told you he has shingles and you didn't even see them in no way exposes you to contracting this virus. Besides, this virus is the same that causes chicken pox and we have almost had this infection in our childhood. This means that there is no need to get afraid as you are most likely protected against chicken pox. Should you contract the virus, you would develop chicken pox and not shingles if you are not already protected against this. In all, you need direct contact to be infected. You would develop chicken pox and not shingles. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.