Shingles Contagious
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Shingles Contagious - Yes Or No?
Are shingles contagious? Yes and no. What is meant by that? You must read on to fully understand.
Shingles are caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, Herpes zoster. After an individual has chicken pox, this virus lives near the nerves and is never fully cleared from the body. Certain circumstances, such as emotional stress, immune deficiency (such as from AIDs or chemotherapy), anyone taking immunosuppressive drugs, or with cancer, can reactivate the virus causing shingles. In most cases however, the cause for the reactivation of the virus is never found.
Shingles are contagious in certain circumstances. Shingles can be spread from the infected person to children or adults who have never had chickenpox. But, instead of developing shingles, the people who have not had chickenpox will develop chickenpox. Once these people have had chickenpox, they too have the potential to contract shingles later on in their lifetime.
Shingles are contagious when there are new blisters forming and old blisters healing. Once all the blisters have crusted over, the virus can no longer be spread.
Once a person has had chickenpox, they are no longer susceptible to another person who has shingles, in other words, they cannot catch the virus from someone else who is broken out with shingles blisters, whether they are crusted over or not.
Herpes Zoster affects some one million people a year, and usually appears after the age of 50, but can break out in adults of all ages. The virus remains dormant in nerve root cells, but may become active at anytime. Any person who has had chickenpox in childhood is at risk for shingles.
Some of the symptoms of shingles are blisters, painful rashes, and a feeling of burning pain. Skin can become very sensitive and painful to the touch. Topical products containing Emu Oil help ease the pain and itching as well as aiding in drying up the blisters.
Shingles Contagious - Shingles Symptoms
Here are the symptoms of the Shingles disease. Notice that most of these symptoms are the same as for the flu:
- Fever for about four to five days with persistent headache.
- Physical fatigue, or a sudden decline in energy level.
- Problems with the digestive system, the stomach in particular.
- Sudden chills.
- Itching on the area of the body where the rash will soon develop.
- Development of small painful blisters on the person's skin (skin rash) lined up like a belt/band starting from spine to chest is the most distinctive symptom that helps the doctor in developing the diagnosis.
If you don't seek medical help for your Shingles, it will pass through the early stage to a more advanced stage. People suffering from Shingles develop a painful disease called chronic neuralgia over this period as time passes by. In order to avoid this problem, you should be watchful and seek out a physician's help once you think you might have Shingles disease or if you have had Shingles and you are experiencing pain in tissues even after getting rid of the blisters/rash caused by the Shingles disease. This pain can be severe enough to make a person cry, it is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). If not treated properly, Shingles can lead to the following more severe conditions, although this is rare:
- The patient might loose eyesight
- Pneumonia
- Malfunctioning of some organs
- Since Shingles is linked to the nervous system, the patient may develop encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Sometimes this disease can be so severe, it can lead to death
As you can see, Shingles is not something to ignore and hope it will go away. You must seek medical treatment if you think you have Shingles.
Shingles In The News
- Adults At Risk Not Getting Vaccinations
Many adults are putting their lives at risk and don't even know it. So, what exactly are they doing? Dr. Mike fills us in! - 2 weeks ago
- Adults need shots, as well
Between public-health clinics and doctors’ offices, it’s relatively easy for kids to receive immunizations in the United States. But “once we cross the threshold of the 19th birthday, things get interesting and, frankly, they get difficult,” said Dr. William Schaffner, president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization. - 19 hours ago
- Ask Dr. Ty: 'Itchy boobs', concussions and chickenpox - The Grio
The Grio Ask Dr. Ty: 'Itchy boobs', concussions and chickenpox The Grio Q: I keep hearing this ad that people who have chickenpox will end up with shingles. What's shingles? What does it look like? A: Once a person gets over a bout of chickenpox, the virus remains dormant — or “asleep” — in certain nerves, sometimes for ... and more » - 8 days ago
- Avoid painful shingles with a single shot - The Province
Avoid painful shingles with a single shot The Province They've all had shingles: nerve inflammation caused by the reawakened chickenpox virus. (Once you've had chickenpox, the virus lurks dormant in your body.) Shingles starts with a burning or tingling sensation, then a rash (or blisters) appears, ... and more » - 6 days ago
- Chronic pain is relieved by cell transplantation in lab study
Chronic pain, by definition, is difficult to manage, but a new study shows how a cell therapy might one day be used not only to quell some common types of persistent and difficult-to-treat pain, but also to cure the conditions that give rise to them. - 8 days ago
- DRS. OZ AND ROIZEN: Take a shot; it's a win-win situation - OregonLive.com
DRS. OZ AND ROIZEN: Take a shot; it's a win-win situation OregonLive.com They've all had shingles: nerve inflammation caused by the reawakened chickenpox virus. (Once you've had chickenpox, the virus lurks dormant in your body.) Shingles starts with a burning or tingling sensation, then a rash (or blisters) appears, ... and more » - 7 days ago
- Doctors recommend more vaccines for adults
Abbey's special report is supposed to air May 8, but that may change Tears come with the territory in most pediatricians' offices, where kids have a strict vaccine schedule to follow. But you won't find stickers and lollipops at your general practitioner's office. "I think we do a much better job immunizing children in this country than adults," Sharon Bergquist, M.D., Emory University School ... - 3 weeks ago
- Freak Show & Tell: Violent Brats, Shingles, and Monstrous In-Laws - Grantland (blog)
Freak Show & Tell: Violent Brats, Shingles, and Monstrous In-Laws Grantland (blog) How Did She Get Here? She has shingles, a reactivation of the virus that causes chicken pox. What's the Grossest Thing We See? Donna's getting over her shingles, so her scabs are not so bad. So just to make sure we're all good and disgusted, ... - 2 days ago
November 2007 - Interview With Doctor On Shingles
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Hi I'm 19 and I broke out with chicken pox 2 weeks ago first time I've ever had it. They nearly gone now just a few scabs left can I have sex with my bf. He has had chicken pox before and has been exposed to it over a month because his little brother had it. Can he catch herpes or shingles if we have sex ?
I am an otherwise healthy 41 yr old American in Canada for a short time and when my back went out it triggered the shingles. I went to the doctor after the blisters appeared and was ready to get the vaccine to help lessen the effects. Nope. No vaccine for me. Why? Because according to the CanadaCare rules, they only have enough vaccine for Canadians. Because I'm an American, even though I'm paying cash, I can't get the $200 vaccine and will just have to suffer through the "full-blown" shingles. The doc gave me Oxycodone for the pain (needed) and Lyrica for the nerve pain.
This is called a PAIN-PANEL. This is what you get with State run health care. Now I'm suffering with full-blown shingles when the vaccine would have helped me.
Since I was at the 72 hour mark there was no time to get the prescription called to my doctor in Atlanta and have him ship it to me, or to fly home to get it. CanadaCare sucks for this very reason. Excuse my candor but I'm in a lot of pain even with my oxycodone. This could have been avoided if they didn't have the red-tape rules that is involved with a single-payer system.
If it's life or death it's a Death Panel. If it's pain or no pain it's a Pain Panel. We are ALL going to suffer at some time or another because of systems like this.
oh, and btw...I cant even begin to think anyone would even consider having sex if they really have shingles...thats the LAST thing on my mind right now
I developed shingles about a week ago. The first sign was tenderness when I had a shirt on from the rubbing. This was about 2 days before the blisters. I started Valacyclovir (1gm dose)the day the blisters first appeared. Even on meds, the blisters got worse for about 3 days (as well as increased in coverage...from back to front on left side on chest). The worst part has been itching and some of the same tenderness in the areas bordering blisters (areas without blisters like under my arm). Today, there is very little if any itching or pain...it doesn't look real pretty, but I credit medication with shortening the duration, because I believe once the blisters appear, you're going to go through the whole cycle...so it will get worse before it gets better but it will get better sooner with meds
hi julie! I just discovered I have one red eye, felt feverish yesterday, still have slight headache, also have red rashes on my chest, stomach, back. My wife told me she once had chickenpox. Does it mean I've contacted it from her?
My boyfriend was noticing the red blister patches a day after we had sex...ok and they are on his man area and bottom area. he was diagnosed with shingles , now my question is can i get it from him not knowing before hand and i would assume no sex cause of the area it is on!??
Hi, I found out I have shingles 2 days ago, I am on meds and was just wondering if it is normal for more to come out? I also only had 1 patch on my back, and now have another 1 on my side... Not sure if its the virus coming out of my system or the meds arent working...
Hi,
My boyfriend has had shingles for 3 days now and is being treated for them.
I just wanted to know if I can have sex with him throughout the 2-3 weeks that he will most likely have them? I HAVE had chickenpox before .
His shingles are on the back of his neck and a little bit on his chest.
Can someone please get back to me ASAP as I see there have been a lot of questions about having sex with someone who has shingles and no one has gotten back to them about it!!!
Thank you for your time guys!
Hi,
My boyfriend has had shingles for 3 days now and is being treated for them.
I just wanted to know if I can have sex with him throughout the 2-3 weeks that he will most likely have them? I HAVE had chickenpox before .
His shingles are on the back of his neck and a little bit on his chest.
Can someone please get back to me ASAP as I see there have been a lot of questions about having sex with someone who has shingles and no one has gotten back to them about it!!!
Thank you for your time guys!
I'm six months pregnant and went to the doctor and told me that I've got shingles and prescribed acyclovir cream and panado. But it not helping me must I go to the gynaecologist and speak to him about this?
Help!! My 19 month old daugher I think has chickenpox my 3 year old hasn't had it wat should I do? Also I work in a nursing home with some very sick people n my boss is very funny about me having time off I'm not sure if I've had it myself as my mum pssed away n I don't see my dad (I'm 23) should I go to work or not????
I am 14 weeks pregnant and suffering with my 5th outbreak of shingles. I am only taking acyclovir by cream to the blisters due to the pregnancy. I am on day 5 of the outbreak and the blisters went from a size of a dime to about a tennis ball. I am off work for the next couple of weeks, but completely uncomfortable. The best thing I can do is to try to sleep thru this annoying pain. This is one of the worst outbreaks I have had, but my Dr says it because my immune system is supressed due to being pregnant.
Hi!
I just got the shingles this week. I was wondering can I have sex during this period??? Im scared to have sex with my boyfriend because I don't want him to get shingles cuz its very painfull. Can he get shingles if we have sex???
I feel for anyone who is struggling with this. I am happy to say that I have a wonderful natural juice called g3 from Pharmanex that is proven to boost immunites. I vehemently recommend it to avoid reoccurence and possibly reduce symptoms. It is risk-free since the product has a money-back guarantee! My mother is now taking it again after being diagnosed. Her immunities drop easily and she had been on it for her heart and diabetes conditions. I am sorry to say I hadn't ordered it for 2 months. We could have avoided this horrible pain.
You can reach me my email to receive wholesale pricing. God bless you all.~Mich
my granddaughters had shingles but the rash has healed but she feels sick all the time and seems very low and keeps crying which is not at all like her ,is it normal to feel sick after shingles
i only just got rid of shingles 10 days ago and they back luckily i got to docs quick this time and he gave me some medication. the only thing is do i need to stay away from a pregnant woman my doctor said i dont it not contagious, please help
I just got diagnosed with "shingles", but all I have is a tiny little thing on my arm that looks more like a bug bite. I never got flu like systems just really horrid pains in my left arm. So is it okayy for me to have sex with my boyfriend ?? He's already had the chicken pox, but I just wanted to make sure ?
i do in home care with mentally and physically disabled people.. recently one of my clients got shingles i work with her alot.. i had chicken pox as a child so most likely it wont affect me.. but can i be a carrier and bring the virus home to my family.. whom non of them have ever had chicken pox in their lives my father is 70 mother 55 and i also have a 4 year old who hasnt had them either.
I work in a nursing home and today I was told that what I thought was was cluster of pimple was Shingles.I dont have the money to see a doctor but I also live with my boyfriend who has never had chickenpox and his 9yr who has never had chickenpox either. Right now they are very small cluster is there anything I can do or put on them to make them go away?
Just a bit of feedback for Mommies with Babies. .... if you have SHINGLES....... DO NOT BREASTFEED your child. Avoid at all costs of interacting with those who DO have shingles. It is hard, but worth it.
I was diagnosed today with shingles (for the second time in 3 years). I am a perfectly healthy 27 year old woman, who had chicken pox as a child.
Both times now that I have had shingles, was induced by stress and my immune system being botched up being low, due to the stress and lack of sleep. Many factors play role in our lives. (women, men, young and old), and stress has its way of showing us how it can operate. Shingles is One way.
I strickly breastfeed my daughter, and last night I saw my first warning that my shingles had returned. I immediately distanced myself from my daughter and thankfully I have my mother with me, she tends to my daughter. I went immediately to the emergency hospital, where the doctor told me that it was IMPOSSIBLE for me to have shingles. (Even after I had told him... I had them 3 years ago). He sent me home with Benadryll for allergies. I arrived home, and I couldn't even give my daughter a kiss goodnight because I knew I had shingles, so I said I loved her from her doorway.
So first thing this morning, I went to my doctor. I showed him photo's of my previous breakout with shingles, and he compared to this round. Well, this time my shingles are spread out over my body. They are not in one a hotspot. My face has been reinfected mostly on the right side, along with spots on my right arm, my right hip and my right butt-cheek. Now there is also an infected area on my left temple. The doctor was shocked, because this is very rare for a girl my age. I am 27. My first shingle was when I was 24.
As for people saying that it is NOT contagious to those who HAVE HAD chickenpox, that is a LIE. It’s based on each individuals Immune System. Shots or No Shots.
My mother had her shots then she caught the chickenpox from my brother and I (we were kids). When I was 24 and I began having rash burns on my right side of my neck, then came the blistering and having shingles the first time, within a week my mother had contracted it.
So this time around, I am isolating myself from both my mother and my 5 month old daughter, to prevent either of them from contracting ANYthing. I am a healthy woman who is just under a lot of stress.
Medication was prescribed to me, (VALACYCLOVIR). Now, this medication is safe to take while breastfeeding, BUT if you have SHINGLES....... DO NOT BREASTFEED your child. I personally suggest isolating yourself, until your blisters have dried, you visited the doctor and he tells you it is OK to return to breastfeeding. (In the meantime, Pump'n'Dump). Plus, to help the burning pains of the breakout, T3's help. Perks are better. And when your breasts feel full, to avoid engorement... please PUMP!!!!!). Do NOT forget to Pump'n'Dump after the doctor tells you that its ok to start breastfeeding your baby again.
(Storing CONTAMINATED milk is just asking for health issues to arrise).
This can last 5-7 days. Trust ME its hard. I am crying every moment, even right now, because I cannot hold or tend to my 5month old baby girl, who cries for her mommy. I can hear her, but I can't see her.
PLEASE DO NOT RISK YOUR BABY'S LIFE. DO NOT go into close contact with the baby while having shingles. This is a serious disease for a baby to contract chicken pox before the age of 1!
From one mother to many. *tears*
I got shingles a couple weeks ago, but was not diagnosed until a couple days ago. Nobody came in contact with my sores because they are on my face and in my ear. My children have both had the varicella vaccine. (my son is 10 years old and had the vaccine when he was 1 and 1 1/2 years old; my daughter is almost 5 years old and had the vaccine when she was 1 year old). Can my kids get chicken pox from me through coughing, sneezing or sharing drinks? Like I said, I really don't think they would have come in contact directly with my shingles sores. I ask because my son has come down with about 6 spots on his arm that are itchy. They might be bug bites but it seems odd that they are clustered that closely together and he really hasn't been outside lately.
hi i had a baby 8 days ago while i was in hospital my freiend come to visit me today she tells me that she has shingles will or can my baby get sick from this some one please tell me i am just a little scared
I just gave birth about two weeks ago and found out two days ago that I have shingles. I think I got it a week after giving birth. I'm worry that my baby might get chicken pox because all that time breast feeding him, holding him, changing him etc., I didn't know I had the shingles. My husband and The doc from the ER said that if the baby is doing fine with no rash, no fever and eating fine, then he prob didn't get chicken pox. I'm still worry because he is a newborn. What should I do? Call my babys doc and check him out? How long does it usually take for the rash to appear if I did affected my baby? I'm scared. This is my first baby and I think I'm getting parinoid.
Good article ...answered some of the questions I had.
i was wondering if my unborn child can somehow contract or get sick from shingles. i am almost 4 months pregnant,and my boyfriend found out a rash he's had for a few days is shingles. his doctor told him to stay away from anyone who hasn't had chicken pox and anyone who is pregnant. i've had chicken pox twice, so i understand that i'm not likely to get shingles, but what about my unborn baby? can it get sick or anything?
Hi I was wonderig if it is possible to spread chicken pox through accedentaly touching your shingles rash then touching somebody else that hasnt had chicken pox. Please respond
Hi my name is Lin I am 52 years old I thought I was having an allergic reaction to meds, just to fine out that I have shingles. I don't even khow if I should return to work or what to do. I need to work matter of fact I have to work. What should I do? Will it affect me? The itching it terrible,the meds make me sleep all of the time.
I have just been diagnosed with shingles and i must say this site has been helpful with knowing I'm not alone in this, three days and I already have blisters and can't wait for this to be over
can you get shingles by having sex with someone who had them,but has been on medication,then had a reocurrence?
The sores in my husband's mouth, on roof of mouth too have a huge white pus there, was diagnosed with Shingles, to me it looks like a bad case of canker sores. He had a kidney transplant and is almost 80 years old. He had the transplant almost 2 years ago, and is on tons of medication. His symptoms are pain, all on one side of face through behind the ear, swollen half lip, some small red rashes on face. ON Acyclivir 400mg but may change to 800mg if his nephrologist thinks he could handle that dosage. Can he go to his various doctors during this time. He may have a low grade fever because his normal is 96 and it's about 98 or so. He also has a script for mouthwash with 3 ingredients they mixed right in front of me. Any comments welcome.
I am 49 and was diagnosed with shingles about 3 weeks ago. Although the rash was painful it has cleared up nicely but I still feel sick with a headache, no energy and digestive issues. Is this normal for these symptoms to continue? Some days are better than others but over all I just feel exhausted and in ill health even though I enjoyed good health before the shingles.
today I just found out that i have shingles and im really sacared because a year ago i hade a stroke and i was only 21 and now im 22. And with alot of problems with my helth.
I had it at 48, so did my daughter at age 24. No fun.
Hello Wanda, Yes, you could give your baby chickenpox if you are not careful. The Herpes (Varicela) Virus causes Chickenpox. It is highly contagious, and if Baby gets any germs on his hands and puts them in his mouth or in his eyes, it can be very dangerous. The baby can be blinded, and have blisters in his mouth. This is why the government is giving chickenpox vaccines to babies, now.
I suggest that you go to your health care professional and tell them your situation and ask for your baby to be vaccinated against the chickenpox as soon as possible.
My best to you, and good luck.
Julie
Can my New Born get the shingles from me i got them when i delivered her on 9/11 2009 they say it was due to the stress of delivery ? plz someone tell me im scared im going to give them to her ....
Can my new born baby get the shingles from me i got them wehn i delivered her on 9 11
I have shingles and am taking valtrex. My son is 3.5 years old and has never had chicken pox but has had the vaccine against the pox. Is he at risk?
Steve
I have shingle on my forehead and through my scalp. My hair needs washing but can i use ordinary shampoo or is there something more specific I can use? it is not too painful, I think I contacted my Dr within two days of it developing and he has prescribed anti virals.
i have a very lite case of shingles, taking prescription i only have a spot at hair line and on my eyebrow am i contagious and can i ge the shingle shot after i am healed, all itching has disappeared after taking rx going on second day but i know i will have to finish rx to make sure completely healed
Are shingles contagious if you are pregnant?
ive got shingles now ive had it twice and i am 14 years old u say u was 30 well im younger so imagene how i feel im in a lot of pain and feeling ill i have flu and a fever x
Julie,
Thank you for getting the word out about the danger to kids being exposed to someone with shingles if they haven't had chicken pox. This is important and can get overlooked. Also the videos are much appreciated.
Deb
Hello Shingles lady,
It sounds to me as if you are being conscientious about protecting others from contacting shingles from you. You cannot give anyone else the shingles, only the chicken pox, and that only to those that have never had chicken pox before. You will only pass along the virus if someone comes into contact with your blemishes. It sounds as if you are tallking precautions at work to make sure that doesn't happen. You should not have to worry about losing your job because you have the shingles. You should be fine as long as you continue to be careful aboutnot letting others contact your blemishes.
Best wishes to you,
Julie
I found out I have Shingles, I am on the medicine. I understand that being in contact with others that never had chicken pox I am putting them at risk, I work with the public and cannot take off , my shingle is in one area and I wear 3 layer of clothing and wash my hands all the time, Can I still give it to them? The doctor told me I am not contagious unless they touch the blemishes, but according to what I am reading I am not sure that's right? I don't want to loose my job.
I just found out I have shingles. I only have two little red bumps but they are very painful. I have been prescribed valtrex for 7 days and ths is my second day on it. I went immediately to an emergency room, when I felt a hardened suface under my arm, which was giving me pain on my side. Iam being treated but I just want to be sure my 4- year old and my 10 year old whom have never had chicken pox can contract shingles from me.
Hello arl14, If you feel that you are not healing as you should following your prescribed treatment then you should go back for another visit to your doctor or health professional.
Emu Oil is touted as being able to help with the pain and recovery time of shingles, but Emu Oil is not FDA approved and I can not claim that Emu Oil either heals or cures shingles. I only suggest that it might be natural way to get some relief from your shingles.
It is most important that you re-visit the doctor if you feel that your healing is not on track.
Best wishes to you.
Julie
Hi
Ive had Shingles for about 4 weeks now ,I was late in going to the doctor so have not had treatent,im concerned as the blisters continue to weep, ive had antibiotics for about 2 weeks but it the blisteres wont dry up,i ve got it on my face and scalp,i wash my hair everyday ,please tell me what more do i need to do,im desperate.Thankyou
Hi
Ive had Shingles for about 4 weeks now ,I was late in going to the doctor so have not had treatent,im concerned as the blister continue to weep, ive had antibiotics for about 2 weeks but it the blisteres wont dry up,i ve got it on my face and scalp,i wash my hair everyday ,please tell me what more do i need to do,im desperate.Thankyou
My mother has shingles. The out break occured 11days ago and was immediately put on a stariod and anti viral medication. I have two small children that haven't had chicken pocks but are current on there shots, should she stay away from the children?
If you have sex with someone who have shingles would you be effected?
ive got a 3 year old boy n my boyfriend as got shingles is it posssible dat my baby could catch it he hasnt had chicken pox ether yet
i have had shingles and chicken pox can i be a carrier i have a lady at work who has a very bad case of shingles and my husband has no had chicken pox.
Dear Worried, You describe a complicated situation. I suggest that you talk to your doctor or health care professional about the details of your case. For your peace of mind and your babies health I am sure you will want to do this as soon as possible. Julie
I am a mother of two. My 2 year old has had chickenpox but my newborn not. My baby is 4weeks old and I am breastfeeding her. I just found out that I have shingles (rash behind my ear), is my baby at risk of getting chinckenpox? I don't want to stop the breastfeeding...?
Jessica, I do not believe your unborn baby is at risk. It does sound like your partner, who has not had chicken pox yet, is at risk oc contacting chicken pox from his father. Since you have already had chicken pox you are not susceptible to your partner's fathers shingles.
Once your baby is born however, it is another matter, and you must keep your partner's father separated from the new baby if he has shingles breakouts. It is best to avoid contact with a baby when you have shingles breakouts.
Julie
i am 6 months pregnant and had chicken pocks and my partners father has just found out he has shingles but my partner has nt had chicken pocks is there any chance my unborn baby is at risk at all im concerned
Debra, I would not risk infecting the baby who has obviously not had the chickenpox yet. I know that being around a new baby is a wonderful thing and it is a big disappointment to not be able to share in the joy of the baby, but while you are broken out with shingles, it is best to avoid contact with a baby. So sorry. Julie
Can Ibe around a friend who is nursing her baby if she is not near the infected area? (around the back of my neck)
Great article. I will share it with my friends on a STD dating site: stdpal.com.
Great info on the shingles.
KA 4 weeks ago
Put your faith were it belongs, medicine is a very unkown field and there are many different opinion on the same subject. my mother was pregnant and had chickenpoks while I was still inside, because of this my vision is 20/400 I had an occurance of shingles at the age of 8yrs old my family was very poor because I had 8 sisters and 3 brothers my dad work but did not make much money since he only had a 6th grade education. Shingles is an advance stage of chickenpok, if you had chickenpok as a a child or before then when you get them again it could be chickenpok or shingles, many reports say that shingles are not contagious but one of my brothers also had shingles he was 25yrs old also my first husband had shingles he was 25yrs old, this is a disease that occur when the body system is experience stress or compromise, I do not remember having chickenpok but all my sisters and brothers had chickenpoks but I could have had pediatric chickenpoks which in that case I would have no memory. I got my children vac against chickenpoks but they still got them. I was also told by my doctor at the time of 8 years that if shingles complete a belt around your waist it will result in death but I see no other information on this subject. I you have shingles by all means avoid anyone who is pregnant and young children, but you should really tried to avoid all contact until your scabs have healed. You can develop shingles again and the symptoms vary from case to case. Best to all.