Is Herpes Zoster Contagious

Also referred to as shingles, zona or zoster, the herpes zoster which is a skin rash, results from the infection of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus is also responsible for causing chicken pox. Once the virus causes chicken pox in the body, it remains in a dormant stage in the nervous system and is not fully eradicated. The dormancy can go on for many years, until the virus is reactivated by some kind of trigger such as stress or immune deficiency. Once it is reactivated, it travels along the nerve pathways to the skin, eventually causing shingles. Shingles mostly affects older adults who have had chicken pox earlier in their lives; most commonly during childhood. This means that people who have suffered from chicken pox are the ones who are at a risk of developing shingles, otherwise not. Now, let us explore the answer to the question, 'Is herpes zoster contagious?'.

How Long is Herpes Zoster Contagious?
The answer to the question, 'Is herpes zoster contagious' is Yes, it most certainly is. However, herpes zoster is contagious to only those people who have not had any incident of being affected by chicken pox because those who have had chicken pox, they will develop shingles on their own and not through infection. The infection usually spreads through direct contact with the open sores of the rash in the affected area. Now, the person who has contracted the infection, will not develop the shingles disease, instead he will have chicken pox. Later in his life, he has all reasons to worry about developing shingles. To add to this, herpes zoster is not as contagious as chicken pox, which can spread via mere sneezing, coughing or casual contact.

Herpes zoster contagious period remains until, the shingle rash which start as blisters, begins to heal or crust over. The virus is not left with the ability to spread any further once the blisters have crusted over completely and thus, the contagiousness ceases. Now that you have been answered for the question, 'Is herpes zoster contagious?', it's not a bad idea to gain some insights regarding the symptoms and the treatment methods.

Herpes Zoster Symptoms
Affecting one side of the body in most cases, shingles begin with symptoms which include pain, burning, numbness or tingling sensations in the affected area. The pain is followed by a red rash after a few days and then blisters which are fluid-filled. These blisters will break open and later, crust over. Fatigue, headache, general fever and chills are also some of the symptoms of shingles which show up in some people. Read more on:

• Shingles in the Eye
• Shingles During Pregnancy

Herpes Zoster Treatment
Few weeks, is what is required by the herpes zoster virus to run its course and get resolved on its own. Treatment takes care of the discomfort caused by the symptoms. Certain antiviral drugs may be prescribed by your doctor after the first sign of the herpes zoster rash and so will be the medicines for relieving the pain. More on herpes zoster symptoms and cure

Apart from taking medicines, ensure that your body gets plenty of rest. Taking a break from strenuous activities will help in recuperating sooner. Take on some light activities like reading, listening to soft music, watching movies (humorous ones are a good choice), relaxation, etc. Cool compresses on the blisters will provide relief from itching and pain. Take care not to apply any ice compresses as it may worsen the blisters. Soak a clean cloth in cool water and apply. A cool shower also helps. You may also like to know more on:

• Shingles Vaccine
• Shingles Pain Relief

To sum up, 'Is herpes zoster contagious?', well they definitely are, but, as mentioned, not as chicken pox. Since there is no cure for this illness, medication and home remedies are at your disposal to relieve the the discomfort arising from the symptoms. A bit of tolerance, until the virus runs its course, is what is required more in order to counter the disease of herpes zoster.