How contagious is shingles?

[WobbleWobble]

My mom has shingles, but my girlfriend doesn't think that she's ever had chickenpox. I read that it can be contagious, but does that mean they can't even be in the same room?

 

[Mark R]

text

 

[da loser]

you might as well bite the bullet and get chicken pox

 

[WobbleWobble]

That's what I thought, there needs to be some direct contact. But I wonder if (hypothetically) it can be spread via sharing a drink?

 

[Mark R]

It's the blisters that are the infectious part.

If they are well covered, and they haven't contaminated clothing or other materials, then sharing a drink is unlikely to be much of a problem.

One other issue that probably should be mentioned:
Chickenpox can be very serious for pregnant women, and cause serious damage to the baby. Women who haven't had chickenpox and are pregnant, or who think that they might be pregnant, should avoid any contact with chickenpox/shingles. If they have been exposed inadvertantly, they should seek medical advice, as they may need vaccination.

 

[WobbleWobble]

I just wasn't sure if the virus was still dormant in the rest of the body. I've previously heard of shingles but I have never seen it before. It's nasty, little bubbles on your skin... :frown:

 

[MikeMike]

my brother had shingles this year, and he is 17, he also had had chicken pox.

 

[doze]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
That's what I thought, there needs to be some direct contact. But I wonder if (hypothetically) it can be spread via sharing a drink?

So your girlfirend and mom are drinking together?