No, shingles is not contagious. Shingles is not something you catch , it is a reactivation of the virus Varicella Herpes Zoster (VZV) that caused
chickenpox in childhood. You could say that shingles is a grown-up
version of chickenpox.

VZV is only contagious in the incubation period
of chickenpox. This lasts from 7 to 23 days and has no symptoms.
The VZV virus spreads via the humidity in the air which
makes it very contagious. When chickenpox is full-blown, itr is no longer contagious. It will stay in the body
permanently remaining latent and does no harm. The body developed
antibodies during chickenpox to fight it and these remain, making sure that you do not get another outbreak of chickenpox.

The VZV Virus Reactivates in 1 in 5 Seniors Causing Shingles

HZV will reactivate in 1 in 5
seniors causing shingles. It is not known why it reactivates in some
people and not in others, or why it reactivates mainly in seniors. A
key factor does seem to be a low immune defense system.

The symptoms of shingles are a rash that turns into blisters which
then turn into a dry scab. This can be seen all over the body and can
be very itchy and painful. Usually it is also followed by a general
illness feeling; fever, headaches and tiredness.

Shingles is usually treated to reduce the risk of Post-Herpetic
Neuralgia which means persistence of pain in the affected area. An
antiviral agent will be prescribed, such as Acyclovir, Valacyclovir
or Famciclovir, which although it will not cure shingles, will reduce
the severity and duration of the illness. After shingles, VZV is still present in the body, but so are the antibodies
and there are usually no further outbreaks.

Related Links

• If you suspect shingles: See your doctor!
• How common is shingles in seniors?

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