shingles is contagious so there is the potential that you could pass the virus to one of your patients particularly babies and children or adults who have not either had the chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. as long as you have new blisters appearing you are contagious. you should likely avoid contact with patients during this time as it will be difficult to know if they're immune. once all the blisters have crusted over and no new ones are forming you are no longer contagious and can return to normal work duties. you can ask your doctor about antiviral medicines for shingles as that may help shorten the duration so that you can safely return to work sooner.
i think i may have shingles symptoms started yesterday i work in an er am i putting my patient's at risk? . symptoms include severe pain along the rib cage on one side today noticed a red painful spot no drainage