While you cannot catch shingles from another person, the virus can spread to others.1,2 The fluid from shingles blisters contains the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).1 If someone who has never had chickenpox and is not vaccinated touches this fluid, they can develop chickenpox—not shingles.1,2
Because of this, caregivers should be cautious around infants or young children who have not yet been vaccinated against chickenpox.1 The risk of spreading the virus is low once all the blisters have completely dried and scabbed over.1
References:
1. World Health Organization. Shingles (herpes zoster): Fact sheets. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/shingles-(herpes-zoster). Accessed 17 September 2025.
2. Health Hub. Herpes zoster (shingles). Available at: https://www.healthhub.sg/health-conditions/herpes_zoster. Accessed 21 November 2025.
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