What to do as Family Members and friends of those with Shingles

What Should I know?

Shingles is a complication that can leave many members of ones’ family concerned for how they can assist someone with shingles. Information that is crucial to know about shingles is that upon first clinical presentation of the blister phase.

Blistering Phase:

"Is Shingles (Post-Herpetic Neuralgia or Herpes Zoster) Contagious?"Cure Talk. Web. 5 Aug. 2015.

 Family and friends should take care about direct contact with this person during the blistering phase due to this being the most likely stage for transmission. It is important to note that you cannot get shingles if you have not had the Chickenpox. However if you have not had the chickenpox in the past you may be susceptible to getting chickenpox after being in direct contact with a person with shingles. If there is a barrier between your skin and the shingles the likelihood of transmission is also significantly lowered. Being aware of these factors can help you limit exposure yet still be able to provide support to those with shingles.  One significant factor that can limit transmission of shingles is to identify a crusting stage.

Crusting Stage

"Shingles (Herpes Zoster Virus) Pictures Slideshow: A Collection of Photos on MedicineNet." MedicineNet. Web. 5 Aug. 2015.

 The crusting stage is the point at which shingles is no longer contagious; again contagious being for those whom have not had chickenpox in the past, shingles by its nature is not contagious to those who have not had chickenpox. In other words, YOU MUST HAVE HAD CHICKENPOX TO GET SHINGLES. Other suggestions for prevention are to wash your hands often to prevent the spread of the varicella zoster virus. One very important thing to take into consideration is pregnancy. If a person is pregnant and comes in contact with a person with shingles there is a possibility of the unborn getting chickenpox. Also maintaining immunity to the shingles virus through vaccination is the best way to avoid getting shingles, as people age you can also get “booster” shots which may help to reduce your risk of developing shingles. This is especially crucial for those over the age of 50 because of declining immunity. Maintaining immunity will provide the best chance of not getting shingles. 

Vaccination:

"Prevent Painful Shingles with FDA-approved Vaccination- Zostavax - Pain Management and Injury Relief." Pain Management and Injury Relief. 12 Oct. 2013. Web. 5 Aug. 2015.

References:

"About Shingles (Herpes Zoster)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 May 2014. Web. 5 Aug. 2015.