Also known as herpes zoster, shingles is an infection of the nervous system. It begins as a painful rash and can develop to be a distressing condition as it spreads in the body. Blisters can also be formed in the body. This is caused by the virus which also caused chicken pox in a person. Once the virus is reactivated, it shows as shingles.
Shingles is a condition which can be passed to people who haven't had chickenpox yet. However, people who will catch the virus will not get shingles. Instead, they will only develop chickenpox. If you come in contact with a person whose shingles are already showing as wounds with scabs, then you can catch the virus and have it as chickenpox. You will only develop shingles when the virus becomes dormant and then reactivate.
If you already had chickenpox, you should not worry coming close to a person with shingles, since you will not catch the condition by itself. On the other hand, if you haven't had chickenpox yet, it is best to get a vaccine against shingles so that you can protect yourself from it happening again.
Take note that the virus which causes shingles is only able to live in humans. It will therefore not live in the items touched by an infected person. However, it can be transmitted from person to person, specifically through the skin, the eyes, mouth and the genital organs.
Shingles has a contagious stage. It can be passed on during the time when there are blisters, and the wounds have fluid in them. However, at the other stages of the condition, it is rather safe to be in contact with an infected person.
During the contagious stage of the illness, it is best to avoid contact with another person. Sexual intercourse will also transmit the virus from one person to another, so it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. You can also get the infection when you swim in the pool where an infected person also went into.
If ever you develop the condition, make sure that you consult a doctor and seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to give you the proper treatment. It is best to stay in a cool and dry place. You should also avoid direct sunlight, and should avoid scratching the rashes to prevent them from spreading to the other parts of the skin.
Shingles is a condition which can be passed to people who haven't had chickenpox yet. However, people who will catch the virus will not get shingles. Instead, they will only develop chickenpox. If you come in contact with a person whose shingles are already showing as wounds with scabs, then you can catch the virus and have it as chickenpox. You will only develop shingles when the virus becomes dormant and then reactivate.
If you already had chickenpox, you should not worry coming close to a person with shingles, since you will not catch the condition by itself. On the other hand, if you haven't had chickenpox yet, it is best to get a vaccine against shingles so that you can protect yourself from it happening again.
Take note that the virus which causes shingles is only able to live in humans. It will therefore not live in the items touched by an infected person. However, it can be transmitted from person to person, specifically through the skin, the eyes, mouth and the genital organs.
Shingles has a contagious stage. It can be passed on during the time when there are blisters, and the wounds have fluid in them. However, at the other stages of the condition, it is rather safe to be in contact with an infected person.
During the contagious stage of the illness, it is best to avoid contact with another person. Sexual intercourse will also transmit the virus from one person to another, so it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. You can also get the infection when you swim in the pool where an infected person also went into.
If ever you develop the condition, make sure that you consult a doctor and seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to give you the proper treatment. It is best to stay in a cool and dry place. You should also avoid direct sunlight, and should avoid scratching the rashes to prevent them from spreading to the other parts of the skin.