It’s not easy to get sick so you probably want to know are shingles contagious. First of all, you’ll have to miss a few days of work. Then, you might just have to shell out some cash for the medication to ease the pain and discomfort. Nonetheless, it’s not easy to stay healthy all the time.
As careful as you are with your diet and exercise, you could still compromise your immune system. As responsible as you are, some people just get out there and pass on viruses without thinking about how inconvenient this can be for other people.
Fooling people
If there’s one disease out there that people wouldn’t want to get, it would be shingles. While the older generation of the society is often the victim of this uncomfortable and painful virus, you still need to be careful to not expose yourself to it.
You might have better chances of getting away scot-free when you’ve already had chickenpox in the past, there are still instances where some people have been known to get the pox twice or even three times.
Are shingles contagious?
Well, in a way, yes, shingles are contagious. Many have been exposed to it and have remained fine. Nonetheless, doctors always recommend that once you do get the shingles, you need to stay home until the blisters dry up.
While you’re at it, you’ll have to take medication and apply creams to ease the pain. If you’re not as immune to it, the red spots could grow uncontrollably until you’ll have to admit yourself to the hospital, but more often than not, it should heal well in a couple of weeks or slightly more.
How are shingles passed on?
Just like its cousin, the chickenpox, you could pass on the virus if you leave the house when the spots are still moist. You’ll know this because they’ll look like blisters all over your skin. While you still see a thin film of fluid on your skin, avoid contact. As soon they dry, you’re safe. So, be responsible by avoiding the following:
• Direct contact with others
• Swimming in public places
• Contact sports
• Any form of activity that requires you to use equipment that another person uses
• Contact with pregnant women
Difference between chickenpox and shingles
While shingles and chickenpox come from the same type of virus called herpes zoster, there is a difference between the two. First of all, children don’t get shingles. You only get this once you’ve had the pox, been exposed to the strain, and have once more compromised your health.
People often 50 years old and above are the casualties. That’s because they assume that they’re fine and that nothing will affect them simply because they’ve already had every kind of virus.
Signs and symptoms
For those who are unfamiliar with shingles, here are some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for. When you notice any of these, immediately call your doctor and have yourself checked:
1. Fever
2. Muscle pains
3. Prickly sensation in the affected areas
4. Red spots that feel somewhat tender to the touch appear
5. When you notice that you have blisters in different areas of your body
Listen to the Experts
Are shingles contagious? Can I still go to work? How long will shingles last? If you need to find more answers about shingles, you can simply call your doctor or look it up online. Don’t worry too much once you do think that you have shingles. While you’ll be house-bound for quite some time, you’ll be able to take care of the problem easily.
Your job is to simply listen to the doctor and follow orders. As for the scars, there are also creams and ointments that you can use after. In fact, there are remedies that you can easily scour in your cupboard. If you’re still worried, talk to the expert to see which solution you can go for.
Don’t prolong your suffering and get treatment for shingles. The better you’ll take care of yourself, the sooner you can get back on your feet and resume your normal schedule. As for the scars, don’t worry too much. Some people might tell you that the dark spots won’t disappear too quickly, but then again, they will disappear. And again, you’ll have creams to take care of this problem for you.