9 Symptoms of Shingles

10. Contagious or Not?

The varicella-zoster virus that manifests as chickenpox is airborne and, therefore, highly infectious. However, the reactivated virus — shingles — is not airborne and thus less contagious. A shingles infection is only contagious to people who have not had chickenpox or have not received the chickenpox vaccine. Furthermore, to be infected with the varicella-zoster virus, a person has to come into contact with the fluid from the blisters. It's vital to keep shingles blisters covered or limit contact with those who have never had chickenpox, particularly infants or immune-compromised individuals.