Shingles Signs and How to Get Relief

11. Contagious and not contagious

Some confusion surrounds the extent to which shingles might be contagious. Although some people might have this impression, doctors know that there is no way one patient can catch shingles from someone else. One aspect of this condition may make it appear to be contagious. If someone never had chickenpox in their childhood, they could catch the virus from contact with a person suffering from shingles. However, this cannot happen if they are just standing next to a shingles sufferer. To catch the virus, they need to touch an open shingles blister or a fluid that oozes out of the rash. Therefore, only close family member or health workers face any real risk.