Can you get shingles from shaking someones hand? (pregnant, sores, treatments)

[FrankAce]

I heard shingles is contagious. What measures do you take when you know someone has shingles?

[reed303]

Here is what WebMD says at
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-...es-myths-facts

"The open blisters of the rash can’t pass on shingles, but they can spread the chickenpox virus to someone who’s never had it. And that can lead to a later shingles outbreak."

Also at https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-...hingles-skin#2

"Is Shingles Contagious?

Yes. You can spread the varicella zoster virus to people who’ve never had chickenpox and haven’t been vaccinated.
You’re contagious until all of the sores have crusted over. Until then, avoid pregnant women who may not have had chickenpox or the vaccine, people with weak immune systems, and newborns."

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by FrankAce

I heard shingles is contagious. What measures do you take when you know someone has shingles?

What reed303 said, PLUS, you get shingles from a reactivation of the chickenpox virus you had when you had the disease (usually in childhood). If someone has shingles and you have had chickenpox disease, you have no concerns. If you haven't had chickenpox disease, you should avoid contact with their rash.

[biscuitmom]

Short answer: "No, you won't catch shingles from shaking hands".

Long answer is "If you've previously had chicken pox, exposure to a person with shingles will not put you at further risk. But if you haven't previously had chicken pox, exposure to a person with shingles means you can catch chicken pox, which in turn puts you at risk for shingles in the (usually distant) future."

Happily there are vaccines for both chicken pox and shingles.