Shingles, also called herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus-the same virus responsible for chickenpox. Many Australians wonder if shingles can spread from person to person and how contagious it really is. This blog post unpacks the facts about shingles’ contagiousness in Australia, explaining how it spreads, who is at risk, and what precautions to take in 2025.
Can You Catch Shingles from Someone Else?
Shingles itself does not spread directly between people. Instead, the varicella-zoster virus can be transmitted from a person with active shingles to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. In such cases, the exposed individual may develop chickenpox-not shingles.
How Does the Virus Spread?
The virus spreads primarily through direct contact with the fluid from the shingles blisters. Touching the blisters or items contaminated with blister fluid-such as clothing, bedding, or towels-can transmit the virus. Unlike chickenpox, shingles is not usually spread through coughing or sneezing, except in rare cases involving immunocompromised individuals with widespread shingles.
When Is Shingles Contagious?
People with shingles are contagious from about 1 to 2 days before the rash appears until all the blisters have dried and crusted over. This period typically lasts about 7 to 10 days but can be longer in people with weakened immune systems.
How Contagious Is Shingles Compared to Chickenpox?
- Chickenpox is highly contagious, with more than 80% of non-immune household contacts becoming infected after exposure.
- Shingles is much less contagious because the virus is only spread through direct contact with blister fluid, and the rash is usually localized and can be covered.
Who Is Most at Risk?
- Individuals who have never had chickenpox or the vaccine are at risk of catching chickenpox from someone with shingles.
- Pregnant women, infants under 1 month, and immunocompromised people are especially vulnerable to severe disease if exposed.
- Most Australian adults have had chickenpox by age 30, so they are generally not at risk of catching chickenpox or shingles from others.
Precautions to Prevent Spread
- Cover shingles blisters with a clean, dry dressing until they crust over.
- Avoid touching or scratching the rash.
- Wash hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items like towels or bedding.
- People with shingles should avoid contact with pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals until the rash has healed.
What to Do If You Are Exposed
If you have never had chickenpox or the vaccine and are exposed to someone with shingles, seek medical advice promptly. You may require vaccination or immunoglobulin treatment to reduce the risk of developing chickenpox.
In Australia, shingles is less contagious than chickenpox and only spreads through direct contact with blister fluid. While you cannot catch shingles itself from someone else, the virus can cause chickenpox in people without prior immunity. Covering the rash and practicing good hygiene are key to preventing transmission. If you or someone you know has shingles, taking these precautions helps protect vulnerable individuals.