Preventing the spread of shingles

It’s also worth pointing out that while shingles itself can’t be passed on, other people can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles if they haven’t had chickenpox before.

People with shingles are contagious until the last blister has dried and scabbed over, so to help prevent the virus from being passed on, patients should not share towels or flannels, go swimming, play contact sports, or go to work or school if their rash is weeping and can’t be covered.

It’s also important to avoid contact with anyone who is pregnant and has not had chickenpox before, people with a weakened immune system – like someone having chemotherapy – and babies less than one month old.

And of course, all patients should be reminded that if their symptoms worsen rapidly or significantly at any time, or do not improve after completion of the seven-day course of antiviral treatment provided by Pharmacy First, they can come back to ask for an onward referral to their GP or other provider as appropriate.