Shingles - Questions & Answers
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From: Barb Chupack

Q :  After the onset of shingles and the start of medication how long are you contagious?

Answer : Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. It is infectious from the onset of the rash until all the scabs have crusted. However, unlike chickenpox, a person with shingles does not cough the virus out. The virus is just shed from the rash on the skin. Most people with shingles have a rash on their chest or abdomen and it is usually covered by clothes or dressings.
So, you are not likely to catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if their rash is covered. Some people have shingles on exposed skin such as the face which will be more infectious than if the rash is covered. Therefore, it is difficult to give definite rules about contact with someone with shingles. If in doubt, discuss any contact with your doctor. 

Source : http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068942/

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