Browse by topic Show
Question: I have shingles and want to visit my friends and family. Can I spread shingles or chickenpox to other people? What if my grandchildren haven't had chickenpox disease or their chickenpox vaccinations? Answer: Shingles cannot spread from one person to another. However, the virus that causes shingles (varicella-zoster virus) can spread from a person with active shingles to someone who is not immune to chickenpox (most people have had a chickenpox infection or vaccinated against chickenpox). A person with active shingles can spread the virus through direct contact with fluid from the rash blisters. Shingles are less contagious than chickenpox, and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer infectious. If you have shingles, you should:
If you have other concerns about your health, speak with your primary care provider or call 811 to speak with a nurse.
 Shingles result from the activation of the chickenpox virus already present, but inactive (dormant), in nerve tissues. The virus remains dormant in spinal nerves usually after the person has had chickenpox as a child. The varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles can spread to others causing chickenpox in patients who have not had it in the past. It is not possible to get shingles from another person with shingles, but it is possible to get chickenpox. Shingles are contagious from the time the blisters are oozing until the time the blisters have scabbed. To reduce the risk of spreading the virus, the patient is advised to keep the affected area clean and avoid touching the blisters. Patients should wash their hands often. Patients with shingles should also avoid being around high-risk individuals and those who have not had chickenpox or who are not vaccinated against the varicella-zoster virus. What is shingles?Shingles (herpes zoster) is a viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is characterized by a painful rash on certain body parts. After the first chicken pox infection, the virus may lie in the nerve tissue in an inactive state. It reactivates years later as singles. Risk factors for shingles If patients have had a history of chickenpox, the risk of shingles includes
What are the signs and symptoms of shingles?The shingles rash typically occurs over one side of the face or body. Common signs and symptoms include:
How does a shingles rash look?The typical shingles red rash or blisters follow pain, itching and tingling. It is usually limited to one side of the face and body.
Rash and blisters of shingles appear on one side of the face extending to the scalp, ear and inside the mouth. It may be seen over the lip area as well.
Rash and blisters appear around the eye, over the eyelids and one side of the forehead, extending to the tip of the nose.
Rash and blisters appear over one side of the waist and back in a stripe pattern, extending up to the lower back.
Shingles rash and blisters over the buttocks, usually on one side. QUESTIONShingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. See AnswerHow is shingles treated?Treatment is most effective when started within 72 hours of the appearance of a rash. Antiviral drugs (acyclovir, valacyclovir, etc.) can help patients recover faster and reduce the risk of complications. Shingles rash and blisters can cause severe pain that may not be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. Treatment of pain includes:
Prevention: A vaccine is available against the varicella-zoster virus to prevent chickenpox and shingles. What are the complications of shingles?Shingles can have complications that last long after the rash is gone. Complications can also occur if the infection has not been treated appropriately.
Health NewsReferences https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/understanding-shingles-basics https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/shingles/shingles-skin#1 https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/index.html https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1132465-overview How long after starting antivirals Is shingles contagious?"When you have shingles, you're considered contagious until your open sores crust and scab over. This generally takes between 7 to 10 days," says Dr. Brown. "Depending on where your rash develops on your body and where you work, you may (or may not) be able to return to work before your shingles dry up."
How do you know when shingles is no longer contagious?Shingles are less contagious than chickenpox, and the risk of a person with shingles spreading the virus is low if the rash is covered. Once the rash has developed crusts, the person is no longer infectious.
How long does it take for shingles to go away with antivirals?Typically, it takes 3–5 weeks for people to recover and the rash to fully clear. It is more common in older adults and people with weak or suppressed immune systems. While shingles does not have a cure, treatments are available to prevent complications, ease pain, and speed up recovery.
Is it OK to be around someone with shingles?The risk of spreading VZV to others is low if you cover the shingles rash. People with shingles cannot spread the virus before their rash blisters appear or after the rash crusts. People with chickenpox are more likely to spread VZV than people with shingles.
|
How long is shingles contagious after starting medication
Related Posts
Copyright © 2024 chuyencu Inc.
