Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Mom has shingles. i've never had chicken pox. is it contagious?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Yes, by contact: Chicken pox and shingles are due to the same virus (the zoster virus). If a person has no good immunity to the zoster virus (never caught chicken pox, is immunosuppressed, never got the vaccine, or got the vaccine but didn't make enough antibodies) then he can get a case of chicken pox from the virus in the open, moist skin lesions of the shingles patient. One can get his antibody level checked.
Answered 1/18/2018
2.6k views
Possibly: Your mother likely had you vaccinated against the chickenpox, since it was widely available by the mid 90's. If so you are likely immune. Shingles is the same virus but is not as likely to pass. Direct exposure to the weeping sores can, but not a cough or her saliva. Avoid the sores and you will avoid it. You may want to check & see if you were vaccinated. Cpx is dangerous for any adult.
Answered 1/3/2018
434 views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Are Shingles contagious to someone a child that has had a chicken pox vaccination? To someone that has had chicken pox previously?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
If Ive had chicken pox as a kid am I likely to get shingles?
4 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Could use your help docs! my coworker has shingles. I've had chicken pox already but can I pass it onto my 9 month old baby?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Since I've had chicken pox twice, once as a young child and a second time at 18, is is a good idea to get immunized for shingles? I am now 63.
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
I've never had chicken pox. I'm 60 years old. Should I get a shot for shingles
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
People also searched for:
I live with my mom and only have one shower. She has shingles and I've never had chicken pox, can I catch it from her by sharing the same shower?
Can someone become a carrier of the chicken pox virus? I have shingles and my friend wants to come visit. She had chicken pox when she was little, however her little brother at home has not. Her mom said if she comes into contact with me she will be a car
I don't know if this rash developed over a 3 day period is an allergic reaction, or could be shingles, or even another type virus. I have never had chicken pox as a child, i confirmed this with my mom?
What are shingles and does it run in the family or just if you've had chicken pox before? Is it deadly or contagious?
I have shingles but my daughter who is 17 weeks old has never had chicken pox, am I only contagious if she touches it or is there a high chance I'll give it her or cause chicken pox ?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
