Question 1

hi i was dx with shingles 5 days ago, the oozing is almost done. when can i go back to work? i work at a hospital and the lesions are on my face. tx

Accepted Answer

Infection control: Thanks for being aware of this, but you must not rely on this or any online resource. Probably it's OK to return to work now, but you need to contact the infection control service at your hospital and follow their advice.

Question 2

i have shingles on the top and bottom of my foot. the blisters still have pus in them. what happens if i bust one?  and when can i go back to work?

Accepted Answer

Work whenever: You can work as soon as you feel comfortable enough to do so. That's an unusual location for shingles, however so I would make sure the diagnosis is correct.

Question 3

hi. i got shingles 5 days ago and feel better but the blisters are still on my face. im on prescription too. when do you think i can go back to work?

Accepted Answer

Shingles: The lesions associated with shingles resolve over a few weeks but you can return to work whenever you feel up to it.  You should avoid contact with unvaccinated children or immunosuppressed patients though.

Question 4

i had virtual appointment with dr frank amico on 11-14-22. was prescribed for shingles. i am back at work today 11-21-22. can i get doctors note for my work?

Accepted Answer

: You posted on the free HealthTap platform where no direct care or related documents can be provided. Please return to the paid platform  and try to review and/or print the notes from your first encounter as they may suffice.

Question 5

i have shingles on my head. i ama server. i cant really cover my head. is is safe to return to work? thank you

Accepted Answer

Shingles: Covering will help but it could still be touched and passed that way. I would not take a chance. You could be serving someone who is not immune to varicella or immune compromised. Be safe!

Question 6

my brother has shingles. taking hydrococdone 5/500. it works  for 4 hours.then pain comes back  can he take  1 1/2 pills?

Accepted Answer

Yes, BUT: Pain with shingles can be excruciating. A 160 pound man usually requires 7.5 - 10 mg of hydrocodone for 6-8 hours of pain relief. Ask your doc for a stronger hydrocodone rx  (7.5-500 or 10/500)since taking double on the tylenol (acetaminophen) (500) can start to bother the stomach.

Question 7

hello,

i was diagnosed with ramsay hunt (shingles) a week ago and have been drinking the prescribed anti virals and pain medication. i just want to know if i complete the medication today, is it safe for me to return to work? 
thanks

Accepted Answer

Basics:  Shingles differ significantly from chickenpox in their nature. Instead of being very contagious through airborne droplet/cough/etc. the only material of concern is what weeps from skin wounds. If no one else comes in contact with that material they cannot get shingles or chickenpox from you. Cover any healing wound &amp; you are fine to return.

Question 8

41 years old. shingles for 3rd time in less than 2 years. always on both sides. sick of meds. don't seem to work. feet and legs are covered this time. last time was face and shoulders. time before was feet and belly and back.

Accepted Answer

Doubt shingles: First, confirm the diagnosis. Very atypical story for shingles for several reasons (recurrent; both sides; multiple locations; non-response to anti-herpes meds). Probably not shingles this time. See a doctor ASAP, the sooner the better for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If recurrent shingles is confirmed, you'll need evaluation for possible serious underlying health problem. Good luck

Question 9

do i go to work just told i have shingles?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There is no risk of spreading it.  Often the pain can limit activity, but if you feel up to working then by all means go.

Question 10

why could it be that someone who has the shingles gets them one right after another. like they go away in no time they are back?

Accepted Answer

? Immune system: Shingles is a herpes zoster infection.  Stress, both physical and psychological, aging and immunosuppressive therapy make attacks  more likely. Eating and sleeping well and getting regular exercise are important to help prevent recurrences. So is avoidance of alcohol, drugs and other toxins.  There is a vaccine called zostavax that you should ask your physician about which might help you.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Shingles when can i go back to work

A member asked:

Hi i was dx with shingles 5 days ago, the oozing is almost done. when can i go back to work? i work at a hospital and the lesions are on my face. tx

A member asked:

I have shingles on the top and bottom of my foot. the blisters still have pus in them. what happens if i bust one? and when can i go back to work?

A member asked:

Hi. i got shingles 5 days ago and feel better but the blisters are still on my face. im on prescription too. when do you think i can go back to work?

A member asked:

I had virtual appointment with dr frank amico on 11-14-22. was prescribed for shingles. i am back at work today 11-21-22. can i get doctors note for my work?

A member asked:

I have shingles on my head. i ama server. i cant really cover my head. is is safe to return to work? thank you

A member asked:

My brother has shingles. taking hydrococdone 5/500. it works for 4 hours.then pain comes back can he take 1 1/2 pills?

A member asked:

Hello, i was diagnosed with ramsay hunt (shingles) a week ago and have been drinking the prescribed anti virals and pain medication. i just want to know if i complete the medication today, is it safe for me to return to work? thanks

A member asked:

41 years old. shingles for 3rd time in less than 2 years. always on both sides. sick of meds. don't seem to work. feet and legs are covered this time. last time was face and shoulders. time before was feet and belly and back.

A member asked:

Do i go to work just told i have shingles?

A member asked:

Why could it be that someone who has the shingles gets them one right after another. like they go away in no time they are back?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?