I have recently been diagnosed with shingles. They are not yet in an open blister state (merely contained red blisters) with no discharge. I have a couple of questions:

1. Can it (herpes zoster virus) be spread any other way other than direct contact with the discharge from the blisters?

2. Can my wife and children be “carriers” to others?

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. The virus is transmitted only from the rash itself, in the active phase. Transmission results in infection only in those individuals who have not had chickenpox in the past. Transmission to such persons results in chickenpox, not shingles. If your wife and children have had chickenpox, they will not carry the infection to others, provided they take care of basic hand hygiene.

In order to shorten to duration of the disease, reduce pain, and prevent prolonged pain after shingles, it is advisable to initiate acyclovir treatment immediately once the diagnosis of shingles is made. Talk to your doctor about this.