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How Long Do The Blisters Of Shingles Last?
I will be 60 this year and recently developed shingles...I work in a hospital, around all ages and am concerned about who and how to avoid contact with certain age groups. We also have an adult child who is mentally retarded and attends a workshop everyday...is this group of friends more susceptible if they have not had chicken pox? I know I cannot spread shingles, but can expose those who have not had chicken pox to that..we also are planning to attend an outdoor concert next week and need to know how long the blisters last and at what point I am SAFE?! thanks
Fri, 7 Aug 2015
Hello. Thanks for asking Healthcare Magic. Shingles is less contagious than chickenpox and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered. I would suggest:
1. Keep the rash covered.
2. Avoid touching or scratching the rash.
3. Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of varicella zoster virus.
4. Until your rash has developed crusts, avoid contact with
-pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
- premature or low birth weight infants
- people with weakened immune systems, such as people receiving immunosuppressive medications or undergoing chemotherapy, people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Once the blisters has developed crusts, the person is SAFE to make contact. Thanks and Regards
1. Keep the rash covered.
2. Avoid touching or scratching the rash.
3. Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of varicella zoster virus.
4. Until your rash has developed crusts, avoid contact with
-pregnant women who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine
- premature or low birth weight infants
- people with weakened immune systems, such as people receiving immunosuppressive medications or undergoing chemotherapy, people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Once the blisters has developed crusts, the person is SAFE to make contact. Thanks and Regards
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