shingles are not contagious. however if you have not had chickenpox you may develop chickenpox after being exposed to shingles. only the drainage from the blisters can spread herpes zoster which is the virus that causes shingles and chickenpox. once the blisters crust over they are no longer contagious and before blisters break out the virus cannot be spread. if you have had the chickenpox the herpes zoster virus is already lying dormant in your system. to put it in a nutshell one person with shingles cannot spread shingles to another person. i have been a nurse for 25 years and cared for those with shingles numerous times.
are shingles contagious. my 88 yr old mother is hospital with uti and now has been told the rash on her hand is shingles. i am supposed to go take care of her. i am 64 and had chicken pox as child slight case. should i get shot now or will it even help?