Are they contagious?
Shingles are not contagious. However, the virus that causes it can be transferred to someone who has never had chickenpox or the vaccine. This is due to the fact that chickenpox [5] and shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
When you come in contact with the virus for the first time, you get chickenpox and not shingles. It is important to stay away from children, pregnant women, and people that have never been exposed to the virus when you have shingles.
The herpes simplex virus is very contagious, unlike shingles. It can be transferred primarily through:
- Sexual intercourse, when you come in contact with thin tissue linings of the genitals which include the lining of the vagina or cervix.
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Sharing items with people that have the virus. Items such as lipstick or eating utensils that have come in contact with the cold sores.
- Kissing and any form of contact with saliva
Herpes simplex virus resides in the body, even in the absence of active blisters and sores. This implies that the virus can still be passed on to others. In the presence of active cold sores, it is important to avoid having oral sex, because it can cause genital herpes.