Shingles is not contagious, but someone with an active rash can transmit the virus to other people through direct skin-to-skin contact.

Shingles — also known as herpes zoster — is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Shingles (the skin blistering rash) itself is not contagious, but the virus is. If you have shingles, you can pass the virus to another person if they come in direct contact with fluids from your active blisters. If they’ve never had chickenpox or received the vaccine, they may develop the condition.

The varicella-zoster virus stays in nerve tissue indefinitely. Once you’ve had chickenpox, it lives in an inactive form in your body but can reactivate in the form of shingles.

A person may transmit the varicella-zoster virus through direct contact with active shingles blisters. In other words, someone may contract the virus and get chickenpox if they touch your active shingles rash.

The shingles virus cannot be passed through saliva or nasal secretions, except in rare cases. That means it is highly unlikely you acquire the virus if someone with shingles speaks, coughs, or sneezes on you.

Most people who’ve had chickenpox have the varicella-zoster virus dormant in their bodies. The virus only reactivates in around one-third of people. Experts do not know why some people who’ve had chickenpox develop shingles while others don’t.

The chance of someone getting shingles if exposed to the virus increases as they get older. Around half of all shingles cases occur after the age of 60 years, and the risk increases significantly from age 70 onward.

You may also be more likely to develop shingles if you:

  • have a health condition that affects the immune system
  • are taking medications that affect the immune system
  • have too much sun exposure

The contagious period for shingles usually lasts 7 to 10 days. But more than the number of days, the status of the rash is what really matters. You may pass the virus to other people if you have an active rash (however long that lasts). This means, if you have oozing or open blisters.

To prevent transmitting the virus, it’s important to keep shingles rashes covered from the moment blisters start developing until after they crust and scab over. Overall, a rash will completely clear after about 4 weeks.

If you have shingles and are otherwise healthy, you can go about your daily routine. These tips may help to reduce the chance of other people being exposed to the virus:

  • Keep the shingles rash clean and covered: It can help prevent other people from accidentally coming into contact with your blisters. This is particularly important if you’re around children and older adults.
  • Wash your hands often: Hand hygiene and trying not to touch the blisters is important.
  • Avoid being around pregnant people: The varicella-zoster virus can cause serious health risks for both pregnant people and their babies.
  • Avoid other at-risk people: If possible, avoid proximity to premature babies, infants with low birth weights, and children who haven’t yet had chickenpox or its vaccine. Also, avoid proximity with people who have weakened immune systems.

Doctors recommend the chickenpox vaccine for children. Preventing chickenpox will also prevent shingles.

For adults, a different vaccine called Shingrix is available to help prevent shingles. Health experts recommend the vaccine for all healthy adults ages 50 years and older. A healthcare professional will give two doses, 2 to 6 months apart, as an injection in your arm.

A double dose offers over 90% protection. The protection level stays above 85% for at least 4 years.

You can get the vaccine even if you:

  • have previously had shingles
  • do not know if you’ve had chickenpox
  • have already had the Zostavax vaccine, an older and discontinued shingles vaccine in use before 2020

The vaccine will not resolve an active case of shingles.

A healthcare professional can offer more information about the vaccine and whether it’s recommended for you and your family.

Is it OK to be around someone with shingles?

Yes, it is okay to be around someone with shingles as long as you don’t come in direct contact with their blisters and the surrounding area. You cannot contract the virus from saliva or touching other parts of the body that do not have an active shingles rash.

Can I sleep in the same bed as someone with shingles?

As long as they fully cover their shingles rash, it is typically safe to sleep in the same bed as someone with shingles.

How long does shingles last?

A shingles outbreak may last 3 to 5 weeks, but this may vary individually. The varicella virus may be transmitted only during the active shingles blistering phase (oozing or open blisters), which may take up to 10 days.

How long should you stay home with shingles?

If you keep your blisters covered, you may not need to stay home at all. But shingles can be very painful, so you may not feel like going to work while you have blisters.

Can I be around my grandchildren if I have shingles?

Avoiding direct contact with infants is highly recommended if you have shingles. You can decrease the risk for them and others by completely covering the shingles rash, washing your hands frequently, confirming they have had the varicella vaccine (if indicated for them), and avoiding skin-to-skin contact.

Can shingles spread from kissing?

It’s unlikely you will contract the varicella-zoster virus from kissing since it’s rarely spread from contact with saliva or mucous membranes. However, if someone has a shingles rash with weeping blisters on their face or lips, you could contract the virus from being in contact with the rash.

Can I touch my baby if I have shingles?

Babies have not been vaccinated for the varicella-zoster virus, and they can contract it and develop chickenpox.

As long as all your blisters are well covered and your hands are clean, you may touch your baby. You may need to avoid premature babies or infants with low birth weights.

You also need to be very vigilant about handwashing until all your blisters are fully crusted over.

The shingles virus can be passed on to another person through direct contact with an active rash (oozing or weeping blisters). There is less chance of passing the virus if the rash is covered, and transmission can only happen from the time blisters form to when they scab over. The varicella vaccine can also help decrease the chance of getting chickenpox after exposure to the virus.