Are Shingles Contagious to Infants

Shingles is one of the most common disease found in children. Also known as Herpes zoster, it is a disease caused due to virus known as varicella-zoster virus which also causes the chickenpox. People suffering from chickenpox may develop shingles in the later age as the virus becomes active again. The skin rash looks similar to chickenpox.

What Causes Shingles

As mentioned above, the virus causing chickenpox also causes shingles. Even after the person gets completely cured from chickenpox, the virus stays in the person's body and can reactivate in the future due to unknown reasons. However, it is believed that stress or autoimmune disorders like AIDS, etc. can cause the virus to reactivate. Secondly, having a weak immune system also makes a person highly susceptible to this disease and hence, children and older people are at a higher risk of contracting shingles. Symptoms of this disease include red rash with burning and irritation, blisters, itching, headache, fatigue and chills, etc. In severe stages, the blisters crack open and spread which worsens the condition.

Shingles in Infants

Yes, shingles is contagious in case of children as well as adults. However, there are several factors associated with its contagion. Firstly, it is contagious only to those individuals who have not had chickenpox in the past. When the virus is transmitted from one person to the other, the other person develops chickenpox, and not shingles. Those who have already had chickenpox are usually not at the risk of contracting the disease again.

Secondly, shingles is only contagious to people having a weak immune system, i.e., older people or children. It is equally contagious in case of adults and pregnant women. It is contagious as long as the rash and blisters are observed. Hence, it is advisable for people to stay away from people in case symptoms of shingles like open blisters are observed on their skin.

It should be noted that shingles in children is not a life-threatening condition, but, a very painful one. There are medications available that help in getting rid of the virus and also treat the skin rash and blisters. Secondly, skin creams can also be used to treat itching and irritation caused due to this disease. People suffering from shingles are advised to take rest to cure the disease completely. It is also advised to stay indoors to prevent the disease from spreading.

In case you observe any symptoms, you should consult the doctor immediately. As a concluding note, remember that shingles is highly contagious and hence, one should be aware of the symptoms for quick treatment and prevention of the spread of the disease. Take care!