How Is Chickenpox Transmitted?
You can get chickenpox by
- direct contact with the blisters, saliva, or mucus of someone who has it
- through the air by coughing and sneezing
- indirect spread by touching recently contaminated items like clothing or bed sheets
Shingles itself isn’t contagious, as it’s caused by a resurgence of the same virus. However, a person with shingles can still transmit VZV to someone who’s never had chickenpox before. This transmission can occur through direct contact with the blisters of a person with shingles. Someone with shingles can no longer pass the virus once their blisters have formed scabs.