Is shingles contagious to others?
Disease description:
My child is 15 years old this year and has recently developed shingles. I would like to know whether shingles is contagious to others.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wan
Herpes zoster is a viral infection that can be transmitted to others. In general, transmission may occur through direct contact with the affected skin lesions or indirect contact—such as touching the patient’s clothing. However, transmission to healthy adults with normal immune function is rare; it occurs more readily in elderly individuals or children with compromised immunity. This is because both herpes zoster and varicella (chickenpox) are caused by the same virus—the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In elderly individuals or children who previously had chickenpox, VZV reactivation typically manifests as herpes zoster. Conversely, individuals without prior chickenpox infection may develop chickenpox upon exposure to the virus. Therefore, as herpes zoster is contagious, appropriate isolation measures should be implemented following diagnosis.
