Shingles are highly contagious.  A child or adult that has not had a case of the chickenpox can be affected by the spread of shingles.  Instead of the outbreak of shingles, they will develop a case of chickenpox.  If an individual has had the chickenpox, then that person cannot be exposed with shingles.  Once a person has been infected with shingles, they have a potential of developing them again later on in their lifetime.

If there is new blisters that are forming and the old blisters are healing, shingles are still contagious to a person that has not had chickenpox.  Just like chickenpox, when the blisters are healing and starting to scab over shingles are still at within the contagious period.  When the blisters become scabbed over completely, then the virus cannot be spread to others.  So, be sure that you keep the blisters will a dressing over them if they are still oozing fluids.

When faced with shingles people that are visiting with the person on shingles will need to keep from touching any open sores, and should also wear medical gloves. This can help to prevent the spread of shingles. This includes laundering clothing that have been worn by someone with open or oozing shingles, care should be taken not to come in contact with this secretion as it can pass the zoster virus from one person.