For how long is a new case of shingles considered contagious?

Question

My Dad has a new case of shingles, and began a regimen of treatment with zovirax/acyclovir within 36 hours of noticing the first symptoms. The question is: for what period of time following the onset of treatment is the disease generally considered to be in a contagious phase?

Answer 1

Shingles is not "practically herpes", it IS herpes -- herpes zoster. Herpes zoster (varicella zoster) is contagious for chicken pox only for those who have never had chicken pox or have had only a subclinical (mild) case. You cannot transmit shingles to another person with or without medication. You can transmit only chicken pox. Zovirax (acyclovir) is for zoster suppression and doesn't prevent transmission. Once the sores are completely scabbed over, chances of transmission is drastically reduced.

Note to my fellow RN, Ruth: When including a web address in your answer, be sure to include http:// at the beginning. The address will show up in blue and the Asker will be able to click on it and be taken to the website you want them to see.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

Subclinical Shingles

Answer 5

If the sores are weeping (oozing a fluid like substance) then he is contagious. If not, he is still contagious for up to 10 days. All linen and clothing needs to be washed, any articles that he has been in contact with. Once the sores are dry and scabbed over, then he is no longer contagious. It is important that he finished the full course of the medication. I hope this helps. Check out this website:
www.medicinenet.com/shingles/article.htm

Answer 6

I don't believe it is contagious. Per the site below, you must have had chickenpox to even get shingles.

Transmission
Exposure to shingles will not cause you to develop shingles; however, if you have not had chickenpox and you are exposed to shingles, you can develop chickenpox. Someone with shingles can potentially expose you to chickenpox if you come into contact with the fluid in the shingles rash blisters.

One study reports that the virus that causes shingles may be released into the air from shingles sores. Covering the shingles sores with a type of dressing that absorbs fluids and protects the sore (hydrocolloid dressing, such as DuoDerm) appears to effectively contain the virus.4

Answer 7

I'm not sure but since shingles is practically the same as herpes, it's contagious as long as the sore/rash are visible and probably after that too. Since herpes can be contagious even when there is no symptom.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2. Both virus types can cause sores around the mouth (herpes labialis) and on the genitals (genital herpes). Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
Cold sores sometimes called fever blisters, are groups of small blisters on the lip and around the mouth. The skin around the blisters is often red, swollen, and sore. The blisters may break open, leak a clear fluid, and then scab over after a few days. They usually heal in several days to 2 weeks.
The herpes simplex virus usually enters the body through a break in the skin around or inside the mouth. It is usually spread when a person touches a cold sore or touches infected fluid—such as from sharing eating utensils or razors, kissing an infected person, or touching that person's saliva. A parent who has a cold sore often spreads the infection to his or her child in this way. Cold sores can also be spread to other areas of the body.
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Answer 10

The virus that causes chickenpox, Varicella- zoster, is the same virus that causes shingles in adults.This virus can lis dormant for years, then resurface as shingles in adulthood.A person can contact chickenpox (but not shingles) from direct contact with a shingles rash.