JeanneA Report post Posted March 31, 2009 Hi, this is off-topic, but just wondered if anyone could tell me if shingles is catching? I 'clean' for an elderly lady once a week and Ive that she has got shingles. I am due round their tomorrow to clean, but was just a little concerned. I would appreciate any advice, thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
frogslegs Report post Posted March 31, 2009 I don't think you can catch it as it is a direct result of having had chicken pox at some point in your life and then later on the nerve endings become inflammed because the remnants of virus become active again. Often more common in older people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynne Report post Posted March 31, 2009 Shingles can not be caught off the old lady. It is not infectious. If you get chiken poks than the virus can lay dormant in the blood but re-emerge at times of stress, illness etc. It is more common for the elderly to have it. Treatment is with aciclovir. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeanneA Report post Posted April 1, 2009 Thanks I wasn't sure it was contagious or not, it is a relief! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
