2007-08-03 05:02:33 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Shingles is a reactivation of a dormant varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chicken pox). Although shingles itself can not be spread (because it is a re-activation of the virus on an individual along the nerve pathways), anyone who has never had chickenpox could develop the infection (chickenpox, not shingles) by coming into contact with shingles blisters.
Poison oak rash is not contagious. It is an allergic skin reaction to the oil from the plant. You can "spread it around" by improper handling of clothing and shoes, etc. that were exposed to the oil. Also, you can spread the oil about in the shower, get it on the soap, towels, washcloth, etc. that makes people think it is "contagious". Here is an excellent layman's link about poison oak:
http://www.knoledge.org/oak/#spread
2007-08-03 08:09:38 · answer #1 · answered by dedum 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-10-01 05:48:15 · answer #2 · answered by Laverne 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shingles are not contagious
poison oak can be spread because the toxins causing it stick to your skin and your clothing.
2007-08-03 05:06:29 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can give some the chicken pox if you have shingles and the havent had the chicken pox.
2007-08-03 05:10:54 · answer #4 · answered by humboldt1965amy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes very contagious.
2007-08-06 13:39:10 · answer #5 · answered by renae2007_1986 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋