A member asked:

On vacation w 80 yr old dad who was just diagnosed wshingles i have a horrible soar throat for 2 days, w my compromised immune is shingles contagious?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Depends: Shingles is caused by reactivation ("waking up") of herpes zoster infection of patients who have had chicken pox in the past. Direct contact with shingles can give chickenpox to someone who has never had it, is severely immunocompromised (not just a cold) but only by direct content with the weeping blisters. Its rare.

Answered 10/16/2013

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Yes, BUT...: Coming in contact with a Shingles rash/blister can infect someone who doesn’t have immunity to chickenpox. That person could develop chicken pox (not shingles).

Answered 10/27/2018

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